The big question in Israel remains is when Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon told reporters the government lacks a majority support for the so-called two state solution, was he correct. Danon explained that if the prime minister brings the matter to the cabinet for a vote he will not have a majority of his ministers supporting the plan to create the State of Palestine on portions of Eretz Yisrael.
Realizing the political ramifications of the deputy minister’s statement, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was quick to announce that he supports the establishment of the State of Palestine alongside Israel. Mr. Netanyahu was very clear as he distanced himself from Danon’s remarks, seeking to avoid the political backlash.
Minister of Environmental Affairs (The Movement) Amir Peretz added “Anyone who tries to bury the idea of two states gives life to the idea of a binational state, placing the future of Zionism in danger.” Peretz was joined by his party’s leader, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who told Israel Radio her party remains committed to renewed talks with the PA (Palestinian Authority) and the implementation of the plan.
Danon however views the situation differently. He explains most of the MKs making up the Likud/Beitenu faction of 31 in Knesset opposes the creation of a Palestinian state. In addition, he explains the Likud’s Central Committee governing body opposed the idea in a vote a decade ago, and he feels this compels party representatives to oppose the state.
Danon’s remarks come days ahead of US Secretary of State John Kerry is set to return for another round of shuttle diplomacy between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority). Kerry is expected to arrive on Tuesday, 3 Tammuz 5773, at which time he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu commented on Sunday, 2 Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting, I will also discuss this with US Secretary of State Kerry,” referring to e vents in Syria. “I have spoken, and will speak, with him about this, and together we will try to advance a way to find an opening for negotiations with the Palestinians with the goal of reaching an agreement. This agreement will be based on a demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes the Jewish state, and on solid security arrangements based on the IDF.”
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
Junior ministers can’t directly contradict government policy and stay as ministers. Netanyahu needs to fire him or be exposed as a weak leader. This has nothing to do with the merits of the policy and everything to do with a strong Medinat Yisrael to protect Jewish lives.
Since the Arabs also oppose a two state solution, it is reasonable to support a one-state solution. Also give the current changes in Israel, the Muslims will be natural allies of the Hareidim (against conscription, against toeiva). However a one state solution, combined with the higher birth rates of both the Muslims and the Hareidim, will doom the zionists within a generation.
Akumpera- the Arabs are not only anti conscription and anti toeiva, they are also anti Jewish. They don’t want any of us there. Haredi or chiloni.