Speaking to members of the foreign press ahead of Independence Day, President Shimon Peres on Monday stated Israel is willing to make major concessions towards achieving peace with Syria. Mr. Peres explained that just as Israel made concessions for peace in the past; it is willing to do the same to achieve peace with the Syrians. The president explained Israel is willing to pay a price for peace with Syria.

Regarding negotiations with Hamas, the president remains opposed to entering into talks with the terror organization, stating speaking with Hamas is the same as talking to the wall. He blames Hamas for the injuries to innocent residents of Gaza, and stated if not for Hamas, the residents of the PA would already have realized the creation of a Palestinian state.

In reference to Iran, Mr. Peres expressed his opposition to a military strike, calling on the West to impose stiffer economic sanctions on Tehran. He stated the Iranian issue is a problem which must concern the entire world, not just Israel.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)