Netanyahu. Reassuring EU
Photo: Reuters
Netanyahu: Economic crisis opportunity to pressure Iran
Likud chairman tells EU ambassadors global crisis should be taken advantage of in order to dampen Iran's nuclear plans; adds his government would continue talks with Palestinians
The economic crisis has provided an opportunity to put more pressure on Iran, Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu told the 26 EU ambassadors visiting Israel on Thursday.
He said the crisis should be taken advantage of in order to prevent Iran from continuing its nuclear proliferation. He stressed that Iran was responsible for much of the world's terrorism.
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Netanyahu also sought to reassure the Europeans that he will continue peace talks with the Palestinians if he wins February's general election.
He spoke to the ambassadors after primaries in the Likud Party catapulted several ultra-hawks into the top 30 places on its slate of candidates.
Likud spokesman Ron Dermer said Netanyahu told the diplomats that "he will call the shots and he will also choose a government that will enable him to carry out his policy."
Netanyahu added that most of the Israeli people, himself included, were not interested in ruling over another people. He also spoke about the importance of Israeli cooperation with Jordan and Egypt, the country's greatest allies in the region.
He also expressed his views on the talks with Syria, stating that he supported the dialogue, but believes the Golan Heights should remain Israeli territory.
AP contributed to this report
