Deputy Foreign Minister tells US Jews not to Pressure Netanyahu

by Israel Hayom Staff

"Pressure from overseas should not guide the prime minister in his careful management of the diplomatic process," says Deputy Foreign Minister Ze'ev Elkin • Earlier this month, 100 prominent U.S. Jews called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take steps to show Israel's willingness to compromise for peace.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ze'ev Elkin says overseas pressure should not influence Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's management of the diplomatic process | Photo credit: Dudi Vaknin

Deputy Foreign Minister Ze'ev Elkin (Likud) said on Sunday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should ignore pressure from U.S. Jewish leaders to take steps to demonstrate Israel's commitment to a two-state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians.

"The responsibility of the Israeli government is first and foremost the security of its citizens and ensuring the future safety of the country," Elkin said. "Pressure from overseas should not guide the prime minster in his careful management of the diplomatic process."

Earlier this month, 100 prominent U.S. Jews signed a letter calling on Netanyahu to "devise pragmatic initiatives, consistent with Israel's security needs, which would represent Israel's readiness to make painful territorial sacrifices for the sake of peace." 

The letter was an initiative of the Israel Policy Forum.

"We believe that this is a compelling moment for you and your new government to respond to President Obama’s call for peace by taking concrete confidence building steps designed to demonstrate Israel’s commitment to a 'two states for two peoples' solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," the letter said.

Israel Hayom Staff

Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=8591

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