Netanyahu: We are willing to negotiate based on the Arab Peace Initiative

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his willingness to enter into negotiations with Arab countries on the basis of the Arab Peace Initiative.

“The Arab Peace Initiative includes positive elements that can help revive constructive negotiations with the Palestinians,” Netanyahu said during a joint press conference held with Avigdor Lieberman after the Knesset approved the appointment of Lieberman as defence minister yesterday.

“I remain committed to making peace with the Palestinians and with all our neighbours, as the Arab Peace Initiative includes positive elements that can help revive constructive negotiations with the Palestinians,” he said.

“We are willing to negotiate with the Arab states’ revisions to that initiative so that it reflects the dramatic changes in the region since 2002, but maintains the agreed goal of two states for two peoples,” he added.

Netanyahu also welcomed Egyptian President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi’s offer to advance peace and security in the region. Al-Sisi had called for the need to achieve peace between Israelis and Arabs and Palestinians.

The Arab Peace Initiative stipulates the establishment of an internationally recognised Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as reaching a fair solution to the Palestinian refugee problem. It also calls for Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and the Lebanese territories still under occupation, all in exchange for the Arab countries’ recognition of Israel and normalisation of relations.