Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, 13 Tishrei, used a visit to Maale Adumim to send a clear message to the PA (Palestinian Authority), Hamas and the nations of the world regarding ongoing efforts to achieve peace between Israel and her neighbors.

“We expect everyone who talks about a peace process to recognize the State of Israel and, of course, to recognize a Jewish state and we are not prepared to accept bogus reconciliations in which the Palestinian side apparently reconciles at the expense of our existence. Whoever wants to make such a reconciliation, our understanding is very clear: Recognize the State of Israel, disband the Hamas military arm, sever the connection with Iran, which calls for our destruction, and so on and so forth. Even these very clear things must be clearly stated.”

Earlier this week, US Special Mideast Envoy Jason Greenblatt used Twitter to send a message to the PA (Palestinian Authority), to recognize the State of Israel and commit to a cessation of violation. He explained this is the formula needed to jumpstart talks between the PA and Israel.

During his visit, the Prime Minister promised to build 1,200 new housing units in the city as well as industrial zones. In what some feel was a hint at annexation in the future, he stated “This place is part of the State of Israel and I support the Greater Jerusalem Bill…”

The Greater Jerusalem Bill calls for annexing a number of communities neighboring Jerusalem into the capital including Maale Adumim.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)