Netanyahu to outline thinking on peace, security

June 7, 2009

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will deliver a "major diplomatic speech" to outline his government's "principles for achieving peace and security."

Netanyahu announced the speech, planned for next week, at the beginning of Sunday's weekly Cabinet meeting.

"In recent days I have read and heard quotes attributed to me that I did not say," the prime minister said. "I would like to make it clear: We want to achieve peace with the Palestinians and with the countries of the Arab world while attempting to reach maximum understanding with the U.S. and our friends around the world. My aspiration is to achieve a stable peace that rests on a solid foundation of security for the State of Israel and its citizens."

Netanyahu added that ahead of the speech, he plans to "listen to the opinions of the coalition partners and other elements among the Israeli public."

The announcement of the speech follows recent pressure by the United States to stop all forms of settlement growth and Thursday's address to the Muslim world by President Obama.

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