Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reasserted his commitment to reaching a two-state solution with the Palestinians, during a meeting on Wednesday with the European Union’s top diplomat, Federica Mogherini.
The Israeli Prime Minister emphasised that he would like to end the conflict with the Palestinian once and for all and called on the Palestinians to recognise Israel as a Jewish state.
During the joint press conference, Mr Netanyahu proclaimed: “I don’t support a one state solution – I don’t believe that’s a solution at all. I support the vision of two states for two peoples – a demilitarised Palestinian state that recognises the Jewish state”.
Mr Netanyahu stated that he was keen to work with the EU to “advance that vision forth in a practical, secure and responsible way”.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini responded: “I believe your recommitment tonight to work on peace and security”.
Mrs Mogherini visited the region to try and jumpstart long stagnant peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
During her visit, the EU foreign policy chief also met with Israel’s new deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely, who is serving as Israel’s de-facto top diplomat.
The deputy foreign minister told Mrs Mogherini the new Netanyahu government was committed to pursuing a peace agreement, and criticised Palestinians for their decision to “abandon the negotiating table a year and a half ago, leaving the proposal of [U.S. Secretary of State John] Kerry unanswered”.
Ms Hotovely added: “In order for the peace process to happen, Israel’s message to Ramallah is that the Palestinians must come back to the negotiating table and not take unilateral measures”.
Mr Netanyahu’s comments came a day after he stated that Israel would pursue a diplomatic “settlement” with the Palestinians while working with regional states to attain such a goal.
