Livni: We laid foundation to end conflict

Opposition leader addresses leaked peace process documents; says negotiations did not end in agreement because of elections in Israel, current government's decision to 'discontinue talks'

Roni Sofer|Published: 01.24.11 , 20:33

Following the publication of secret documents dealing with the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, opposition leader Tzipi Livni said, "Today it is clear to everyone that the previous government laid the foundation to end to the conflict in a serious and responsible manner, while safeguarding Israel's national and security-related interests."

Some of the documents refer to talks Livni held with Palestinian officials during her tenure as foreign minister. "The process (negotiations) did not fail, but it was not completed. It did not end with an agreement due to the elections in Israel and the current government's decision to discontinue the talks," the Kadima chairwoman told a special Knesset session celebrating the 62nd anniversary of its first sitting.

During the session, Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin expressed his concern over the State of Israel's future and character. "I fear that many among us have grown tired of preserving Israel's identity as a Jewish and democratic state. While in the past such sentiments emanated from extremist groups on the fringes of this House (Knesset), today they are coming from its majority," he said.

"The focus on trying to hurt minorities…Is destroying our parliamentary democracy. An atmosphere has been created in which the majority can harm the minority – Jews and Arabs, seculars and haredim, wealthy and poor. There is almost no boundary between right and wrong," Rivlin added.

Addressing teenagers who were invited to the Knesset, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "I don’t know what you'll choose to do, but there is only one place in which you will be able to make a difference in all fields, and that is this place."