Huntsville Times · Huntsville, Alabama · 26 March 2009

CP-2009-023

Netanyahu: Israel ‘partner for peace’ with Palestinians

Likud leader reverses course, willing to talk

Amy Teibel, The Associated Press, Jerusalem

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Transcribed from the clipping

“JERUSALEM — Incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday his government would be a ‘partner for peace with the Palestinians,’ softening his hawkish rhetoric a day after the centrist Labor Party joined his coalition in exchange for vaguely worded promises to pursue negotiations.

During his election campaign, the Likud Party leader painted himself as an opponent of peace talks. But facing the prospect of a clash with the Obama administration, Netanyahu has been tempering his line. Peace is a ‘common and enduring goal for all Israelis and Israeli governments, mine included,’ Netanyahu told an economic conference in Jerusalem.

‘This means I will negotiate with the Palestinian Authority for peace,’ he added. ‘The Palestinians should understand that they have in our government a partner for peace, for security, for the rapid development of the Palestinian economy,’ Netanyahu said.

But he remains vague on the issue of Palestinian statehood, a key component of current peace efforts. With the backing of at least 69 lawmakers, and likely more, he plans to present his government to parliament next week for its approval, he said. His spokeswoman Dina Libster said the vote likely would take place Tuesday.

Palestinians welcomed Netanyahu’s words, but said they must be matched by deeds. On Wednesday, Netanyahu said his plan to develop the Palestinian economy was not a substitute for political negotiations but ‘a complement to them.’ A strong Palestinian economy is a ‘strong foundation for peace,’ he said.

Netanyahu spoke hours after Labor voted to join his coalition, adding a moderate element to what had been shaping up to be a narrow, hawkish government.”

Context added by this archive

The phrase the archive tracks, used the other way round: here Netanyahu is claiming to be the partner for peace.

Cite this clipping

This clipping is read closely in the section below

• No partner for peace, and the answer printed beside it

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