At Hatnua faction meeting, justice minister praises Kerry for efforts to restart peace process, says time for 2-state solution now.
By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN, DANIEL CLINTONLivni Party faction meeting 370(photo credit: Marc Israel Sellem/The Jerusalem Post)
Justice Minister Tzipi Livni promised on Monday that Israel would do its part to advance the diplomatic process with the Palestinians, saying that “the time that is passing does not serve those who believe in two states for two people.”Speaking at a Hatnua faction meeting, Livni said her party’s role in the government was to move the peace process forward and improve the quality of life for Israelis.She said that although other parties in the coalition disagree, she believes she can reach a decisive point in the peace process.“The entire region is boiling,” she said. “Countries are coming apart, leaders weakening. It is wrong to say we should close our windows and wait for it all to pass. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not something taking place out in the jungle. We are part of it and we have to do our part. I am glad [US] Secretary of State [John Kerry] is doing his part to advance this issue.But a peace deal would not be a favor to America. It is in our own interest.”Livni praised Kerry for his “determination and obligation” to restarting diplomatic efforts.But Meretz leader Gal-On said that despite Livni, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s new government would be as extremist as its predecessor.“The settlers will decide where to build, the tycoons will decide what to cut, and the rabbis will make decisions in the IDF,” Gal-On told her faction.“The extreme Right controls the Foreign Ministry and isolates Israel. Racist policies will continue regarding migrant workers and Arab citizens. It will be the same racism with a different hat.”Justice Minister Tzipi Livni promised on Monday that Israel would do its part to advance the diplomatic process with the Palestinians, saying that “the time that is passing does not serve those who believe in two states for two people.”Speaking at a Hatnua faction meeting, Livni said her party’s role in the government was to move the peace process forward and improve the quality of life for Israelis.She said that although other parties in the coalition disagree, she believes she can reach a decisive point in the peace process.“The entire region is boiling,” she said. “Countries are coming apart, leaders weakening. It is wrong to say we should close our windows and wait for it all to pass. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not something taking place out in the jungle. We are part of it and we have to do our part. I am glad [US] Secretary of State [John Kerry] is doing his part to advance this issue.But a peace deal would not be a favor to America. It is in our own interest.”Livni praised Kerry for his “determination and obligation” to restarting diplomatic efforts.But Meretz leader Gal-On said that despite Livni, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s new government would be as extremist as its predecessor.“The settlers will decide where to build, the tycoons will decide what to cut, and the rabbis will make decisions in the IDF,” Gal-On told her faction.“The extreme Right controls the Foreign Ministry and isolates Israel. Racist policies will continue regarding migrant workers and Arab citizens. It will be the same racism with a different hat.”
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