(VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Minister of Education Naftali Bennet announced on Sunday morning that as the United States continues efforts to advance peace between Israel and the PA (Palestine Authority), Israel will not compromise when it comes to security interests.

“We will study in depth any proposal that will be brought out of respect and friendship to our friend the United States, which has proven that it views Israel as a strategic asset and also attaches importance to Israel’s security. At the same time, we will certainly insist on the national security interest of the State of Israel,” Bennett said at the start of his cabinet meeting.

The Sunday edition of al-Quds in Arabic published that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) is willing to return to negotiations if the US is willing to remain involved. That said, senior PA negotiator Dr. Saeb Erekat accused the United States of working with Israel to depose Abu Mazen and destroy the PA.

Al-Quds quoted senior US special emissary Jared Kushner, who met with Abu Mazen in recent days, stating the United States is willing to play a role in negotiations for as long as Israel and the PA are willing to speak with one another. Kushner is quoted saying, “We are willing to work with President Abu Mazen if he so wishes”.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday addressed the ongoing efforts of Kushner over the weekend as he is in the region, together with special Mideast envoy Jason Greenblatt.

“Over the weekend I had two important meetings with Jared Kushner and Jason Greenblatt. We discussed the diplomatic process and regional issues, and there was special focus on the situation in Gaza. I must say that there was absolute support for our positions and our actions to ensure the security of the State of Israel and its citizens in the area adjacent to the Gaza Strip, which was expressed publicly by the American administration’s envoys. The issue also came up of how it might be possible to resolve the humanitarian problem in Gaza without strengthening Hamas. These matters are clear – first of all how to ensure security and how to prevent a broader flare-up, if it is at all possible.

“I expressed great appreciation for President Trump, Secretary of State Pompeo and of course for Ambassador Haley for the continual ad strong support at the UN, which is very impressive…”

Mr. Netanyahu then continued, addressing other matters.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)