Opening the special Knesset session today to discuss and then vote on Israel's peace treaty with the United Arab Emirates, Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin (Likud) stressed the historic nature of the session and the issues being discussed.
"After years of pursuing a policy of 'land for peace,' a new approach was taken, and now, after great efforts, the vision has been realized," he said. "Determination, faith, and belief in the justice of our course, as well as a continued devotion and attachment to the Land of our birthright, proved more persuasive than any withdrawal or concession.
"These are historic days, days of fundamental change in the region," he continued. "These are days that are the culmination of decades of hopes and long years of diplomatic efforts and determined policy making, which have finally materialized in the written document that is being presented before you today for your approval. I have no doubt that the words spoken here today will resonate around the world for many years to come, and our hope is that they will serve as a call to other countries to traverse the path of peace and true friendship with the State of Israel and its citizens."