World Jewish News

Netanyahu meets British PM May in London, says he is 'committed to peace' 'Palestinians should accept a Jewish na

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Thursday afternoon with his British counterpart Theresa May at 10 Downing Street in London.

Netanyahu is the British capital to attend events celebrating 100 years since the Balfour Declaration which paved the way for the creation of the State of Israel.

"Well, thank you, Prime Minister May, first for this welcome. Also for inviting me to mark with pride a great historical event, a great event in Jewish history, British history and world history,’’ Netanyahu said.

‘’A hundred years ago, the Balfour Declaration helped pave the way for the reestablishment of an independent state for the Jewish people in our ancestral homeland. A hundred years later, our two countries, our two democracies – Israel and Britain – are strong allies and partners,’’ he added.

‘’We cooperate closely on intelligence. We cooperate closely in the battle against terrorism. And we’ve saved, through this cooperation, countless lives – British lives, Israeli lives. We cooperate in cybersecurity, in technology, in business and enterprise. We share the values of freedom and democracy and peace.’’

He said Israel is committed to peace. ‘’I am committed to peace,’’ he insisted.

‘’A hundred years after Balfour, the Palestinians should finally accept the Jewish national home and finally accept the Jewish state. And when they do, the road to peace will be infinitely closer. In my opinion, peace will be achievable,’’ he said.

He noted that ‘’great things’’ are now happening in the Middle East because ‘’many Arab countries now see Israel not as an enemy, but as their indispensable ally in the battle against militant Islam.’’

He continued, ‘’The threat we all see is a resurgent Iran that is bent not only on dominating the region, but bent on developing nuclear weapons.’’

Speaking of the Iran nuclear deal, he said ‘’the goal that I have in mind is not keeping or eliminating the deal, it’s improving the deal and correcting its main flaws.’’

‘’I think those who want to keep the deal should cooperate in correcting the deal,’’ he added, saying he has some ‘’concrete ideas’’ he wants to discuss with May.

Netanyahu also thanked the British Prime Minister for her ‘’resolute’ stand against anti-Semitism, for your resolute stand on the historical truth and for your friendship.’’

Netanyahu, who will stay in London until Sunday, will also meet with Foreign Minister Boris Johnson.

In the evening, Netanyahu and his wife will – at the invitation of Lord Rothschild – attend the event marking 100 years since the Balfour Declaration. Prime Minister May, senior officials and members of the Balfour family will also attend.

On Friday morning, he ill address Chatham House – The Royal Institute of International Affairs and then take questions. The Prime Minister and his wife will also attend an economic event at the London Stock Exchange. He will open trading and then meet with dozens of British corporate leaders.

On Sunday, the Israeli premier will meet with British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and British Jewish community leaders.

EJP