Peres claims that Palestinian declaration of independence will continue, not end, conflict

The President of Israel has claimed that a move by the Palestinian Authority to seek UN recognition of an independent Palestinian state will “continue, not bring an end to, the conflict with the Zionist state. According to the Jerusalem Post, Shimon Peres believes that seeking statehood “without answering Israel’s security concerns” will not lead to peace.

“I’m in favour of recognizing [a Palestinian state] provided that the Palestinians recognise Israel’s security needs,” said Mr Peres. He stressed the need for the two sides to reach an agreement on the exchange of land so that Israel can retain the large Jewish settlement blocs and preserve Israeli security.