Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that he will travel to New York City and address the UN General Assembly ahead of the Palestinian bid for statehood. His address has been set for next Wednesday.
The announcement was made shortly after Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki said that the Palestinian Authority will submit its bid for full UN membership with the UN Security Council on Friday, September 23.
Netanyahu met Thursday with Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas. Speaking at a press conferees held in Jerusalem after their meeting, Netanyahu said:
"I have decided to personally convey the message of direct negotiation and striving for peace at the General Assembly – I know Israel doesn’t get a fair hearing at the General Assembly. It has an automatic majority which is quick to denounce Israel. I have decided to go… to tell the truth."
"The only way for a Palestinian state to come to be is through negotiations. The PA's decision (to appeal to the UNSC) could change tomorrow. I'll be at the UN. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will be at the UN. We could save the trip – Ramallah is only 10 minutes away. Direct negotiations are the simplest way to achieve peace."