PM: Peace cannot be made from afar
In cabinet meeting dedicated to Jerusalem Day, Netanyahu addresses proximity talks with Palestinians, says they must lead to direct negotiations. 'We cannot reach agreements without sitting in the same room'
"As time goes by, we cannot reach decisions and agreements on critical things like security and our and their interests without sitting in one room," he added. "Peace cannot be made from afar."
Netanyahu and ministers (Photo: Tess Scheflan)
Social Affairs Minister Isaac Herzog (Labor) said, "As far as I am concerned, the talks about the core issues can begin now. We are starting the talks with low expectations, even very low, and thus there may be surprises. We must dare and leap forward. It's crucial in order to move on to direct talks. There is no doubt that it will be very difficult, as every issue we will touch on is explosive," he said.
Braverman: We're being isolated by world
Minister for Minority Affairs Avishay Braverman (Labor) added that "it's time to address the core issues, courageously. The talks must stop focusing on one or another outpost or one or another building, and we must go straight to the main big problems. We are in such a big international isolation, and if we fail to move forward to a solution of two states for two people, the isolation will weaken us significantly."
The cabinet meeting was attended by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and his deputies in honor of the upcoming Jerusalem Day. Netanyahu promised to strengthen the city economically. "We are committed to Jerusalem in ways you are familiar with, but today we will deal with two things: Economic and technological development and preserving heritage sites.
"We will give factories in Jerusalem a first development area status. This symbolizes our commitment to create 21st century employment in the city and attract a strong population."
Barkat welcomed the decision to change the capital's status from second to first development area, and said that the past year has seen a 30% increase in the opening of new businesses in Jerusalem.
"These are crucial times, and the municipality and government must work together to strengthen Jerusalem, both on the state and on the municipal levels," the mayor said. "The cabinet decision will strengthen the status and economic stability of Israel's capital."
