Liberman Endorses Two-State Solution

YERUSHALAYIM (AP) —
New Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman at the Kosel on Monday.
New Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman at the Kosel on Monday.

Avigdor Liberman said he supports a two-state solution to the conflict with the Palestinians after he was sworn in as defense minister on Monday.

In a statement to reporters after the Knesset approved his appointment, Liberman said he supports “two states for two peoples.”

In his own remarks after Liberman was sworn in, Netanyahu said a 2002 initiative by Arab states that promised peace and recognition of Israel in exchange for the creation of a Palestinian state “includes positive elements that can help revive constructive negotiations with the Palestinians.”

Netanyahu said Israel is “willing to negotiate with the Arab states with revisions to that initiative so that it reflects the dramatic changes in the region” since it was presented. He said it would include the “goal of two states for two peoples.”

Liberman said he agreed with Netanyahu that there are some “very positive” elements in the initiative that could make for a “serious dialogue with all the neighbors in the region.”

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