Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed at today’s Likud faction meeting Israel’s relationship with the US in light of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region last week.
He emphasized that, despite Trump’s expressions of respect and support for the Jewish state, Israel does not have a “blank check” from the US in the political sphere.
“We are a sovereign nation, we can decide many things and make many declarations, but as far as US agreement is concerned, I wouldn’t go that far.
“It’s true that there are warm relations and a lot of understanding for our fundamental positions, but it’s not true that we have a blank check - this is far from being the reality,” he said.
“We must act with great discretion as well as with responsibility - especially now,” Netanyahu emphasized. “You heard President Trump; he came here and did very important things and touched the heart - but he also said that he believes that Abbas wants peace. He said that I want peace and he said that he believes that it’s possible to come to an agreement and that we must come to one. This is the situation we’re in.”
“There’s one fundamental thing that I say all the time: The reason that there is no agreement is because they educate their children, generation after generation, that there will be no state of Israel within such and such borders. Therefore, the only way to ensure our future is to control security. This is our position, and it is stated in no uncertain terms.”
“Over the years, I have proven that I am concerned about our vital interests in an informed and responsible way, and I will continue to be so. But whoever thought that we have a blank check is mistaken,” he concluded.