(Ynet).While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking international support for continued Israeli military presence in the Jordan Rift Valley, even in the event of a peace agreement, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said Tuesday, "There is no Palestinian state without the Jordan Valley."
Since the civil unrest began spreading throughout the Arab world, Netanyahu has increased his efforts to garner support from western leaders for continued Israeli presence in the Jordan Valley. He claims the region is vital for Israel's security, particularly in light of the recent uprisings in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and other countries.
However, the PM said the issue of sovereignty over the Jordan Valley will be determined during the peace negotiations, should they resume.
"Without Israeli presence in the Jordan Valley, a truck will be able to travel freely from Iran to Petah Tikva, Without military presence in the Jordan Valley, Israel will not be able to thwart the smuggling of arms to the territories or prevent terrorists from infiltrating".
In response to Netanyahu's comments, Fayyad said there is no other solution than the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
Israeli officials have expressed concern lately that the US will demand that Netanyahu clearly address the issue of a possible withdrawal to the 1967 borders.