Palestinian FM warns Israel
Photo: AP
Palestinian FM: We'll have majority in 20 years
Ahead of PM Netanyahu's speech, Palestinian foreign minister warns only alternative to two-state vision is bi-national state where Arabs are the majority
The alternative to the two-state vision is a bi-national state, where Palestinians will be the majority, PA Foreign Minister, Riyad al-Maliki said Thursday after meeting with European Union representatives.
longest-lasting occupation," urging the international community to "intervene in order to put an end to it."
The Palestinian foreign minister said that "Israel continues its occupation, which has become the world's
Domestic Opposition
Attila Somfalvi
Likud MKs meet with prime minister ahead of his anticipated policy speech to express their opposition to the two-state idea. Netanyahu promises to take their opinions into account but says 'there are considerations you aren't aware of'
"An independent Palestinian state is the best option in respect to Israel's security," he said. "If the Israelis do not implement this, we will have no choice but to go in the direction of a bi-national state option. I promise you that within 20 years we'll constitute the majority in a bi-national state."
The Palestinian minister also slammed Israel's settlement policy as well as the razing of Arab homes, particularly in the Jerusalem area.
'Bibi's speech won't satisfy Obama'
Meanwhile, Western diplomats said Thursday that the United States doubts a policy speech Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to deliver next week will satisfy President Barack Obama's peacemaking demands.Briefing their counterparts in the Quartet of Middle East mediators after talks with Netanyahu, US officials voiced skepticism he would make the clear, far-reaching and tangible commitments on settlements or statehood that Obama has sought,participants said on condition of anonymity.
"The Americans are not satisfied with what they have beentold," a senior Western diplomat said.
Also Thursday, Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin said that in his view PM Netanyahu does not believe in the two-state vision, and should be honest with Obama on that front.
Reuters and Aviad Glickman contributed to the story
