Bibi: Peace requires compromise

Netanyahu tempts centrist voters: Likud leader says reaching peace deal requires territorial compromise, vows to dismantle illegal West Bank outposts, boost Palestinian freedom of movement

Ilan Marciano |Last update: 01.22.06 , 22:02

A peace agreement with the Palestinians will require Israel to cede territories it currently holds, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday evening in a speech designed to woo centrist voters.

"It's completely clear to me for that a peace agreement requires concessions on both sides, and will include conceding territory on our part, but I will never give up on security," Netanyahu said, speaking at the Herzliya Conference.

"Just as there are no free meals in the economy, so too must our policy (towards the Palestinians) be free of free concessions, and certainly not under the pressure of terrorism," he said.

Continuing with his moderate tone, Netanyahu vowed to dismantle illegal West Bank outposts and reduce the number of roadblocks in order to boost Palestinian freedom of movement, "which is essential for the economy to develop"

"It's completely clear we won't be back to control Palestinian population centers, just as it's clear that our security zones do not include significant Palestinian population," he said.

Netanyahu may have discussed compromise, but made clear he would "rule out continuing the policy of unilateral withdrawals without anything in return."

"This is a policy that rewards extremists who support terrorism, and weakens the moderates who support peace negotiations. The reason for that is simple: The Arab street understands that Israel withdrew under pressure and this is a fact – because there is no peace agreement accompanying the withdrawal, there is only terror," he said.

"The Palestinian public asks: Who is kicking Israel out? Hamas. Who is strengthened? Hamas. Who is weakened? The Palestinian Authority. This is a dynamic which distances peace and security, and strengthens terrorist elements," Netanyahu added. "The policy of unilateral withdrawal with nothing in exchange has a clear replacement: The policy of reciprocity. This is a responsible policy that will lead to peace, and that punishes terrorist activity opposed to peace."

The Likud leader and premiership candidate also spelled out his vision of secure borders for Israel.

"I believe that the borders (of Israel) must include the Jordan Rift Valley, the Golan Heights, and the Judea Desert – this is our eastern security strip. Greater Jerusalem and the settlement blocs help protect central Israel, the Jerusalem – Tel Aviv highway, our international airport, and the Trans-Israel Highway. As prime minister, I would aim to renew negotiations for a permanent agreement based on these security borders," he said.

Netanyahu's speech comes at a difficult junction for his party: According to the latest poll by Israel's leading newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth and the Dahaf Institute, the Likud will win just 12 Knesset seats. Kadima would receive no less than 43 mandates, with Labor a distant second with 21 seats.

Peretz: I'll keep Jerusalem united

Meanwhile, Labor party leader Amir Peretz spoke at a Labor conference in Jerusalem.

"I plan on advancing peace negotiations with the aim of agreeing on two states. I'll keep Jerusalem united and strong with a Jewish character and majority. We will object to returning Palestinian refugees," he said.

Peretz added that Labor would "continue on the path of Rabin, who knew how to combine the struggle for security and peace with a social revolution.

The Labor leader called for the audience to hold hands, and said: "Now I'm sure I'm not alone. Tonight we start the journey to the promised land."

Addressing social issues, Peretz said: "Tonight, we have promised to commit ourselves to a wide ranging reform in the educational system, a declaration of independence for weak workers, the raising of pensions, and the passing of a pension law for every citizen. We will launch an uncompromising war against the link between wealth and power."

The Labor party leader also attacked other parties, saying: "The ruling party is the one who brought us the current social abandonment. Call this party Kadima or Likud, Bibi or Olmert, it's exactly the same thing."

Behind the scenes, Labor officials busied themselves with attempting to bring former Prime Minister Ehud Barak onboard.

Barak himself was present at the conference and was received by party activists. He did not, however, remain to hear the speeches.

"This is a holiday for the Labor party. I came to celebrate with friends," he said before leaving.

Aides to Barak said the decision on whether to bring Barak into a top party spot rested with Peretz.

"At this time there is no partner for negotiations with the Palestinians, but the door to talks must be left open," said Barak.