Netanyahu: If Abbas rejects the US as mediator, he doesn't want peace

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu lands in Israel and gives further details about his Indian trip.

By HERB KEINON
Updated: JANUARY 19, 2018 16:51
Netanyahu and Abbas (photo credit: REUTERS)
Netanyahu and Abbas
(photo credit: REUTERS)
"If he doesn’t want the US as a mediator, he doesn’t want peace," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday about Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's rejection of the US as the go-between in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. 
"There is no substitute for the United States," Netanyahu told reporters upon landing back in Israel after a five day trip to India.
Netanyahu also addressed the recent thaw in ties with Jordan. He said that Israel “expressed regret” to Jordan over the shooting that took place at the Israeli embassy in Amman last year, but did not apologize. 
Netanyahu said Israel will pay reparations to the Jordanian government, but not to the families.
He said that Israeli Ambassador to Jordan Einat Shlain, whom he holds in the highest esteem, will be promoted and reassigned to an another appointment.
Statement by PM Netanyahu at his meeting with PM Modi, January 15, 2018 (YouTube/IsraeliPM)
Regarding the upcoming visit of US Vice President Mike Pence, Netanyahu said, “This is another expression of the strong ties between Israel and the US, and the very supportive approach of this administration.”
Netanyahu characterized his trip to India as "historic," and one that will be remembered for many years.  He said that in addition to reviving the Spike anti-missile deal, the two countries also discussed other military deals and shortening the travel route between India and Israel. 
Regarding ties with Turkey, Netanyahu said that, unfortunately, there continue to be very negative comments about Israel coming out of Turkey and they continue "to support Hamas, which acts against our existence."