Amid Israel Radio reports that he sold out and signaled the PA (Palestinian Authority) that Israel is willing to give away the Jordan Valley to reach a peace agreement, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu released statements that this is simply untrue. Mr. Netanyahu told Likud faction members that he would not sign any final status agreement with the PA that would result in abandoning the Jordan Valley.

The prime minister emphasized this fact with the usual statements, highlighting his commitment to national security, pointing out the strategic significance of the Jordan Valley, insisting reports in the daily Maariv and other forums are unfounded in fact.

Mr. Netanyahu blames the breakdown in negotiations with the PA on Ramallah and insists he is willing to travel to Ramallah or anywhere to continue talks without any preconditions, towards achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace that would permit Israel and the PA to live side-by-side in a lasting peace.

The Jordan Valley was liberated from Jordanian occupation by Israeli forces in the June 1967 Six Day War.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)