Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed to a crowd in New York that he thought peace was attainable in the next year in spite of Israel’s recent actions.The idea that peace is possible within a year also came with the declaration that the settlement freeze would not be extended after this coming September. The settlements he said would be addressed in final status talks with the Palestinians.
The statements came at a meeting of the American think-tank Council on Foreign Relations. Netanyahu again repeated his desire to move to direct negotiations if not immediately, then in the next coming weeks.
Netanyahu said he intended ‘to confound the skeptics and critics,’ while also describing his ‘need for a partner.’
The Israeli Prime Minister has been projecting an outward aura of conciliation while also not willing to discuss borders, refugees, and Jerusalem. The settlements also continue to expand regardless of the freeze.
