The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke before a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, where he called for a fully demilitarized Palestinian state.
America as a nation and indeed many of the American Christian right have always been strong supporters of the Jewish state, while many other Christians from around the world, including South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu, have argued that sometimes the Palestinian point of view is overlooked because of this.
Netanyahu was interrupted by applause 56 times from the Congress, 26 of which were standing ovations. However, there was also some opposition with a woman interrupting Netanyahu’s speech twice to yell “equal rights for Palestine” and “the occupation of Palestine is indefensible.”
Netanyahu thanked America for their long-standing support for Israel but spoke against U.S. President Barack Obama’s comments last week suggesting the borders between Israel and Palestine revert back to the 1967 borders. Netanyahu called this suggestion “indefensible” during his speech to the support of many from the floor but gave no concrete ideas himself as to how the two sides could peacefully return to negotiations.
Netanyahu used the occasion to make a few barbed comments in the direction of Palestine.
“If the benefits to peace for the Arabs is so clear, then why has peace eluded us?” he said.
The issue before us “never has been about a Palestinian state, but the existence of a Jewish state,” Netanyahu added.
Netanyahu then challenged Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to dialogue with him in terms mutually beneficial to both sides.
“I will accept a Palestinian state. It’s time for President Abbas to accept a Jewish state.”
The Israeli President concluded his speech by stressing the vital importance of the negotiation process. “Peace cannot be imposed. It must be negotiated,” he said.
Reports emanating from Palestine are that the Palestinian president will consult with leaders of the Fatah movement and the Palestine Liberation Organization in what could be a promising signal for further action.