Labor Party Chairman Ehud Barak explained Monday why his party needs to remain in the government despite internal criticism from within the party.
"Negotiations are a top-tier necessity for Israel and the entire region. It is a very important State interest, and is a topic the Labor Party believes in. It is one of the reasons for us remaining in the government and for our activity in it," said Barak.
At the start of the Labor faction meeting in the Knesset, the defense minister addressed tensions with the US: "I am certain this crisis will be forgotten and the proximity talks will return to their proper course."
Barak said that he will leave for Spain later Monday, where he will meet with Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos.
"Spain, which holds the EU presidency, is part of the international dialogue developing now around the need to put negotiations back on track. I, too, will try to contribute to the matter," said Minister Barak.
Earlier, Barak met in his office with Fred Hoff, assistant to US special envoy to the Middle East George Mitchell, and US Ambassador to Israel James Cunningham to discuss with them the current political situation between the two countries and the necessary steps that should be taken to diffuse tensions and jumpstart negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
Barak also addressed US-Israel tensions on Sunday: "The incident during (Joe) Biden's visit was not intentional, but was nonetheless unnecessary and damaging."
"Our relationship with the Americans is an important part of our security," Barak told a Labor faction meeting in Tel Aviv.
"While we are responsible for our fate, this close relationship obliges us to act in a proper manner," he said.