Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, during a memorial ceremony in Israel’s parliament – the Knesset – for late Israeli President Shimon Peres, that Israel will continue to bolster its power in the face of the rising threat of Islamic extremism, which Netanyahu said was like a storm that washes itself across the region and spreads to other continents.
“In our region, and not only in our region, the waves of jealousy continues to be high. The powers of Islamic extremism continue to gain power, the storm they create washes the territory around us, and spreads to other continents. In these circumstances, it is clear, that next to our aspiration for peace we must fortify our power continually. All the time. We must thwart any harm to our sovereignty and prevent threats to our security,” said the Israeli leader.
Prime Minister Netanyahu noted, nevertheless, that the challenges faced by the region and the common interests in developing sectors of technology and innovation could forge alliances based on interests that would eventually lead to peace, while rejecting international conferences and summits that seek, according to the Israeli leader, to dictate terms that aim at advancing a solution to the Arab-Israeli dispute.
“The knowledge and technology, innovation, are true bridges for friendship and a true bridge for alliances based on interests. The big change that is taking place in our region, is based on these kinds of relationships. It has the power to create regional cooperation, in the sector of security, and in the future, if they continue to materialize, also to advance to peace. It will advance gradually, because we need to cure the Arab world and the Palestinian world too, from the devilish incitement against Israel and the Jewish people and it will take time.” / “Nevertheless, one thing is clear. Peace will not be achieved by force or from above. Not through meaningless summits, nor by international dictates.
It can be achieved only through direct negotiations between the sides. It can receive tail-wind through the development of economy, technology and security on the ground for both nations,” declared Netayahu.
