Livni: Settlements don't bring security, they harm future generations of Israelis

Justice minister fights back against criticism from Bennett, says those who are not ready to give up some parts of the Land of Israel are preventing future peace.

Justice Minister Tzipi Livni speaks to the press in Jerusalem. (photo credit: REUTERS)
Justice Minister Tzipi Livni speaks to the press in Jerusalem.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said Tuesday that settlements do not bring security to Israel but rather cause harm to future generations of Israelis.
Speaking in an interview with Israel Radio, Livni stated that a diplomatic agreement with the moderate Palestinian camp is a security interest of Israel.
Livni rejected criticism from her coalition mate, Economy Minister Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi), who said Monday that those pushing for a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria were locked into a “failed conception” as dangerous for Israel now as was the 'failed conception” that led to the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
Livni responded Tuesday that he who says there is no solution to the conflict and is not prepared to give up parts of the land of Israel is preventing the next generation a chance to live in Israel peacefully.
The Justice Minister said that Israel was now paying the price for the pact between Bennett and Finance Minister Yair Lapid which forced Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to put Bayit Yehudi in the coalition.
Livni warned that the lack of a peace process with the Palestinians prevented Israel from openly taking part in the coalition against the Islamic State because Arab states in the coalition would object.
Herb Keinon contributed to this report.