JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s Knesset speaker said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not believe in a two-state solution.
Reuven Rivlin also said during a visit to the West Bank town of Eli that Netanyahu wants to arrive at a peace agreement with the Palestinians, but not one that involves two states for two peoples.
"I think the term ‘natural growth’ is apologetic rather than a principled stance," Rivlin told Eli residents. "We live in these areas based on belief in the righteousness of our way and also because we view these areas as a security belt for the State of Israel."
Rivlin made his remarks just days before Netanyahu is set to deliver a major policy speech during a conference at Bar-Ilan University. The prime minister met with party leaders Wednesday to hear their views on the upcoming speech.
Also Wednesday, Likud minister Benny Begin came out against the formation of a Palestinian state during a speech at Likud Party headquarters.
"If the only solution is two states for two peoples, then there is no solution," Begin said, adding that the Palestinians want a "two-stage solution at the end of which there would be a single PLO-Hamas state."
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
