Sunday, December 6, 2009

Netanyahu: Settlement freeze proves Israel wants peace

"I would like to make something else clear. This suspension is for its stated timeframe – and not beyond. In the Cabinet decision, we made it clear that upon the conclusion of the period of suspension, construction will resume. In the meantime, ten days have passed and the time is limited. Therefore, I would like to remove any doubts regarding the temporary and one-time nature of this decision. This is a one-time and temporary decision, not a freeze of unlimited and infinite duration".

(JPOST).The cabinet's decision to freeze settlement construction in the West Bank for ten months proves that Israel wants peace, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Sunday.

Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said that the Palestinian Authority's rejection of his offer shows that they are an obstacle to a peace deal. He reiterated previous comments that he decision is "one-time and temporary… a freeze of unlimited and infinite duration."

Regarding West Bank settlers, the prime minister said that the decision to freeze settlement construction was "certainly not easy, either for them or for us."

"It has to do with the heart of the homeland of the Jewish people. It has to do with settlers, Israelis who are our brothers; they are part of us and we are part of them,".

Netanyahu called for unity within the government, and from MKs and settler leaders. "Our internal cohesion at this time is important - perhaps more important than anything - and I request ministers' cooperation in implementing the decision and in helping, to the best of their abilities, to get through it as easily as possible, while upholding the law in the State of Israel," he told the cabinet.