Speaking at a Likud meeting Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu expressed concern that aircraft flying near the Gaza Strip may be exposed to anti-aircraft systems.
"Today we are experiencing difficulty flying near the Gaza Strip since they have in their possession anti-aircraft missiles," explained Netanyahu. "Imagine that there are no security arrangements, and there will be missiles that can take down an aircraft that is en route to Ben Gurion airport."
RELATED:Abbas: I won't resume talks until building freeze renewedPalestinians may ask UN to recognize state in ’67 bordersClinton: Netanyahu, Abbas are right leaders for peace"I heard Abu Mazen's interview yesterday," Netanyahu said in reaction to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's interview to Channel 1 on Sunday. "I would rather talk to him face to face. The interview took place seven minutes from here. A direct conversation can advance the resolution to the conflict."
Netanyahu added that, "the discussion on new [settlement] building is only an artificial obstacle." "Even the Palestinians say that the building is insignificant and barely has an effect on a final-status map," explained the prime minister. "I say it has no impact at all."
Netanyahu continued to say that, "If the Palestinians want to continue the conflict, they can find a way. But if they want to solve it, I have ways of doing it. The security problems are real, so the solutions must be real and not just on paper."
Netanyahu explained that in the framework of negotiations, several subjects must be discussed: Recognition of Israel, rockets being launched from Gaza, the settlements, Jerusalem and the water supply must be addressed in talks with the Palestinians.
"What matters is not the length of the talks, but whether the
Palestinians want to solve the conflict," said Netanyahu. "The
Palestinians must decide if they want to solve problems. If there is
willingness to solve the dispute, it will be solved, but if not, it will
not be."
"The Palestinians must compromise with the existence of Israel living in
peace with it its neighbors. This would be good for us and for them."