• Saturday, 21 December 2024

Israeli prime minister calls for Palestinian state in UN address

Israeli prime minister calls for Palestinian state in UN address
Tel Aviv, 22 September 2022 (dpa/MIA) - Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, as long as the state would be a peaceful one, in his speech to the UN General Assembly. "Peace is not a compromise. It is the most courageous decision we can make," he said. He said Israel seeks peace with the entire Arab world. He also warned of the dangers if Iran gains nuclear weapons, referring to the nation as a murderous dictatorship. The only solution, he said, was a credible military threat and the negotiation of a "longer and stronger deal" with Tehran. Most Israeli are in favour of a two-state solution, the head of government said. "I am one of them." However, he said, a future Palestinian state should "not become another terror base." Israel wants to live in peace and security, he said. Lapid also addressed the people of Gaza, offering to build the economy together. "We only have one condition: Stop firing rockets and missiles at our children. Put down your weapons." He said they could then "build your future together, both in Gaza and in the West Bank."