Netanyahu: No one can teach me love of Israel

Ahead of direct talks with Palestinians, PM tells fellow Likud members, 'I hope we'll find courageous partner like Sadat on other side'

Attila Somfalvi|Published: 08.30.10 , 20:46

"We will insist that any future agreement will be based on effective security arrangements on the ground," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said ahead of the direct peace negotiations with the Palestinians set to begin September 2 in Washington.

Speaking at a Likud Party toast for the Jewish New Year, the PM said a peace agreement will also be based on the "recognition of the Jewish nation's right to a homeland."

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"We will not make do with documents or promises. We want actual arrangements on the ground that will safeguard the State of Israel and its citizens," Netanyahu added. "No one can teach me what love of the Land of Israel is. We want true peace for generations to come, and only Likud can achieve true peace."

The PM told his fellow party members that Israel "will not allow the firing of thousands of rockets and missiles from territories under the Palestinian Authority's control into Israeli territory, which unfortunately happened after we withdrew from every centimeter of Gaza and Lebanon. This is not peace, even if it is white-washed by paperwork."

The PM stressed that the Israeli government "wants to progress in the peace process," adding, "We've proven how serious we are over the past year."

"Our goal is to achieve a stable peace that will promise security and prosperity to us and our neighbors, and, if possible, (make peace) with the rest of the Arab world," Netanyahu said.

The PM said he was aware of the difficulties that lie ahead. "I am not naïve. I recognize the looming obstacles, but I want to give it (the peace process) all the time it requires.

"I hope to find a courageous partner on the other side, such as (slain Egyptian president) Anwar Sadat was to (former prime minister) Menachem Begin so that we will be able to move forward together for our common goals – peace, security and prosperity," Netanyahu said.