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Netanyahu says He’s Willing to Talk Peace Based upon Arab Initiative

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said on Monday that he is prepared to negotiate peace based upon the 2002 Arab Initiative. When introduced, the plan differed from previous gambits by offering the Jewish state a blanket rapprochement with the entire Arab world. But it was introduced with the caveat that there could be no negotiations: the terms were to remain as presented. In his comments on Monday, Netanyahu specified that, “We are willing to negotiate with the Arab states on 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.” Speaking in English for the portion of his remarks that dealt with the Arab Initiative, Netanyahu offered kudos to Egyptian President Al-Sissi for his “offer to help advance peace and security in the region.” Netanyahu’s comments followed the swearing-in of the controversial Avigdor Lieberman as defense minister, an appointment that prompted an angry response from the Arab world and the suggestion that peace would be impossible with Lieberman in the sensitive post. The 2002 plan never generated traction in Jerusalem, in large part because it contained what Israel considered deal breakers – Palestinian “right of return,” withdrawal from all land conquered in the 1967 war – and because the Arab sponsors were unwilling to negotiate changes. Since that time a number of international figures have adopted the initiative as the prototype for the so-called “two-state solution,” including American leaders. Some Israelis remain skeptical, suggesting the prime minister made his remarks in an effort to stem the fall-out from the appointment of Lieberman, who is seen by many as an anti-peace “ultranationalist.” The Netanyahu remarks come only days before France convenes the first round of an international peace conference aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the 2002 plan – a conference the Israeli prime minister has bitterly opposed.