'I hope to find a brave partner as Begin found in Sadat'

Netanyahu gives speech to Likud supporters ahead of trip to Washington for peace talks, says Israel will not be satisfied by only "papers and promises" but is ready to seek a "real peace."

By JPOST.COM STAFF, GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
netanyahu flag 311 (photo credit: AP)
netanyahu flag 311
(photo credit: AP)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu sought to create a strong image at a meeting with Likud party supporters on Monday, giving his last speech before he leaves to Washington for peace talks. The prime minister was keen to cast himself in the role of his famous Likud predecessor and peacemaker, Menahem Begin, as someone strong enough to create a permanent peace.
"I can do that [achieve peace] better than anyone else. Likud supports real peace," said Netanyahu. "Only a Likud government can bring a peace agreement that will guarantee the security of Israel forever."
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Netanyahu went to great pains during his short speech to distinguish his current peace efforts from the failed attempts of more recent prime ministers to bring calm to Israel's borders.
"We won't be satisfied with papers and promises. We won't allow hundreds of rockets as we did after we left Gaza and Lebanon. We want real peace agreements that guarantee the security of Israel for the benefit of peace and prosperity for Israel and its neighbors and if possible the rest of the Arab world," Netanyahu said. He continued,"I am not naïve. There are two sides. But I want to give it time and resources."
He concluded his speech saying, "I hope to find a courageous partner as Begin found in Sadat."