Netanyahu defiant
In his AIPAC speech on Monday night, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu did not back down. Netanyahu, who apologized for the announcement of new housing in Jerusalem during Joe Biden's visit ten days ago, does not reprise his apology, according to prepared remarks. Instead, he reminds the White House that the new housing -- though a thumb in the eye -- did not actually violate any commitment he'd made, as any settlement freeze always excluded Jerusalem.During Bibi's first term, he was known for insisting on reciprocity (yitnu, yekablu, lo yitnu.... - if they give, they will receive, and if they don't give....). Netanyahu returned to that theme on Monday night.
"The connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel cannot be denied.The connection between the Jewish people and Jerusalem cannot be denied," Netanyahu says. "The Jewish people were building Jerusalem 3,000 year ago and the Jewish people are building Jerusalem today.Jerusalem is not a settlement.It is our capital."
"Everyone knows that these neighborhoods will be part of Israel in any peace settlement.Therefore, building them in no way precludes the possibility of a two-state solution," Netanyahu said.
"Peace requires reciprocity .It cannot be a one-way street in which only Israel makes concessions. Israel stands ready to make the compromises necessary for peace. But we expect the Palestinian leaders to compromise as well," he says.
"The future of the Jewish state can never depend on the goodwill of even the greatest of men. Israel must always reserve the right to defend itself," Netanyahu says.Obviously, that's meant to include Iran.
Netanyahu also had a few words for those who think he will lead Israel to retreat to anything close to the 1949 armistice lines.
Experience has shown that only an Israeli presence on the ground can prevent weapons smuggling.This is why a peace agreement with the Palestinians must include an Israeli presence on the eastern border of a future Palestinian state.As peace with the Palestinians proves its durability over time, we can review security arrangements. We are prepared to take risks for peace, but we will not be reckless with the lives of our people and the life of the one and only Jewish state.You can - and should - read the whole thing here.
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 3:43 PM
6 Comments:
Kol Hakavod Prime Minister Netanyahu!!
We are davening for you!!
What that means is a Palestinian state surrounded on all sides by Israel. It cannot by definition be contiguous. That would have to be for Israel to defend itself. As the Prime Minister noted, Israel cannot put its security in Palestinian hands or rely on American goodwill to ensure its future. It must be able to defend itself. Israel has given a lot for peace but the other side does not seem to want to make the hard decisions necessary to make it happen.
Bibi made yet another amazing speech. He really called the shots on this one. Bravo!
You can see the video here:
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/292643-6#
(the only thing the antisemitic c-span is good for)
I thought it was a wonderful speech. We should be very happy the points of defiance which were very important, Bibi spoke to and with passion.
I say to those congressman, senators and those running for office who claim support, next time we have a Republican President do not be silent as the years slip by and the embassy act is not signed. I urge everyone to hold those voices we hear now to pledge to not be silent the next time around!
Had Bush signed the embassy act during his 8 years in office it would not just have been a promise kept but one of the most important measures any US President could have taken for the Jewish State of Israel. That signature would once and for all signal Jerusalem as the undivided capital of Israel...forever.
Bush missed a chance of a lifetime. He didn't sign it however because he was more aligned to the Saudi's and the greater Arab/Islamic world and their proxies the Palestinians (whose national posters which show all of Israel, Palestine) then to his supposed best friend,Israel. Actually, he didn't sign it for the identical reasons those before him didn't sign it. The difference is he promised because of his claim to be the best friend of Israel.
To not speak of this or to de-legitimize the historic implications lost insures the embassy act will never be signed.
is this the speech that was protested by those bored biddies from code pink?
oh, and bush's best buds have always been the saudis
Whew!! Bibi had me scared there for a moment.
At least someone is standing up to the godling.
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