Herzog: No one knows what Netanyahu wants for Mideast peace

Speaking at the annual JPost conference, opposition leader Isaac Herzog hails Trump's "impeccable" handling of the diplomatic process so-far.

By GIL HOFFMAN, JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: MAY 7, 2017 18:37
Isaac Herzog at the JPost Annual Conference 2017
Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog offered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a parliamentary safety net for concessions in a peace process led by US President Donald Trump at The Jerusalem Post Conference in New York.
The opposition leader hailed US President Donald Trump's "impeccable" handling so-far of the approach to a diplomatic process between Israel and the Palestinians.
Interviewed on stage by Jerusalem Post editor-in-chief Yaakov Katz, Herzog praised Trump while questioning Netanyahu's goals on the Palestinian issue.
"So far, Trump's peace efforts have been impeccable," Herzog said. "We know what Trump wants. What Netanyahu wants, no one knows. I have grave doubts about Bibi's intentions. If he wants peace, he will enjoy political support even from my camp. But if he opts for what Bibi usually wants, he will find us a fierce opposition and we will replace him as soon as possible."
Herzog said the only way to bring about a change in power in Israel is to form a strong centrist bloc with other centrist movements. He invited former defense minister Moshe Ya'alon to join such a bloc, along with fellow former IDF chiefs Benny Gantz and Gabi Ashkenazi, rebel Yisrael Beytenu MK Orli Levy-Abecasis, and MKs in Kulanu.
"Together, we can present a clear, centrist vision for Israel," Herzog said.
Referring to people that rejoiced at Trump's election as ushering in a new era of peace talks where a one-state solution replaced the two-state solution, Herzog said that this undermines the security of Israel. "There will be no other choice, reality is reality, but to move toward separating from the Palestinians," he declared.
The opposition leader concluded by saying that he hoped to form a strong centrist bloc in the near future which would provide a "clear vision of Israel, both on social and economic issues, as well as the plight of security and peace."


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