Blair: Words won't create trust
Quartet's envoy tells Ynet Israeli-Palestinian trust can only be built through steps on ground
Israelis and Palestinians must "get on with the positive agenda that will create change," the Quartet's envoy to the region, Tony Blair, told Ynet in a special interview Wednesday.
"My view is…that we just have to get on with it," the former British prime minister said, expressing his hope that "on both sides people understand that this is a period in which we should do the maximum to create a positive atmosphere."
According to Blair, the fundamental issues that need to be resolved are ensuring Israel's security in the region, while enabling the Palestinians to establish their own state.
After being asked whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas have built a relationship of trust, Blair said trust needs to be built through substantive moves.
"At the beginning of a process like this, in my experience, trust is always in short supply," he added, noting that he believes "you build it by actions on the ground."
"We're in a situation now where words actually won't create the trust on either side," he said.
'Disaster for the region'
Turning his attention to Hamas, Blair said the Islamic group faces a choice at this time.
"They can either be part of this process or they can carry on you in a position of isolation," he said.
Blair said that he believes that not all of Gaza's residents support Hamas, using the opportunity to urge Israel to show greater flexibility in respect to the Gaza blockade. At this time, a policy that would isolate the radicals while assisting people who seek peace is needed, he said.
As to the Iranian threat, the Quartet's envoy said Iran must not acquire nuclear capabilities, which he said would threaten not only Israel.
"This would be a disaster for the region and for our own security – not just your security, our security," he said. "It's got to be made very clear to them (Iran) that this is a red line for the international community."
