Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called Israel an"island of stability" in a turbulent Middle East at the opening of the Knesset's winter session Tuesday.
"It is a miracle that we are not like Syria," Netanyahu said. "We have here an island of stability. It isn't in Syria. It is here. Israel has become powerful. We are not a superpower, but we are a global force in technology, intelligence, computers, economics, water desalinization, and innovation, among other things."
Netanyahu also addressed his decision to delay the vote on the so-called 'Amona Law' which would normalize the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, and the threats by MKs from the Jewish Home party to cause a coalition crisis if the bill is not passed.
"Just this morning we asked the court to delay (the demolition) of Amona-so that we can deal with this important issue in a responsible manner." Netanyahu said.
"We are looking diligently into this matter, like we do with all other matters." Netanyahu went on. "We are a nation of laws, and everyone should remember that. At the end of the day, the settlers will also be responsible. They know that there will be no government as favorable to them as this government is."
As Netanyahu began his remarks a group of Arab MKs rose and left the room.