May 24th 2011
Text of PM Binyamin Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress
We must also find a way to forge a lasting peace with the Palestinians. Two years ago, I publicly committed to a solution of two states for two peoples: A Palestinian state alongside the Jewish state.
I am willing to make painful compromises to achieve this historic peace. As the leader of Israel, it is my responsibility to lead my people to peace.
This is not easy for me. I recognize that in a genuine peace, we will be required to give up parts of the Jewish homeland.
But there is another truth: The Palestinians share this small land with us. We seek a peace in which they will be neither Israel’s subjects nor its citizens. They should enjoy a national life of dignity as a free, viable and independent people in their own state. They should enjoy a prosperous economy, where their creativity and initiative can flourish.
We've already seen the beginnings of what is possible.
Laudable remarks had they had been made in good faith, which they were not. In 2011 Bibi told Americans what we most wanted to hear. That he was ready to be reasonable and seek some kind of settlement to the conflict that has gone on for decades.
Then yesterday in his desperation to win his election Binyamin Netanyahu revealed his true feelings on the issue of two states, pandering directly to some Israeli voters' racist feelings towards the Palestinians.
Netanyahu Says No to Statehood for Palestinians
By JODI RUDOREN
JERUSALEM — Under pressure on the eve of a surprisingly close election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel on Monday doubled down on his appeal to right-wing voters, declaring definitively that if he was returned to office he would never establish a Palestinian state.
The statement reversed Mr. Netanyahu’s endorsement of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a 2009 speech at Bar Ilan University, and fulfilled many world leaders’ suspicions that he was never really serious about peace negotiations.
Without a doubt those skeptical world leaders included Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
This came as no surprise to me since I've always judged Netanyahu by his actual deeds rather than his words, and ever since first becoming Israel's Prime Minister in 1996 Bibi's BEHAVIOR has always shown his consistent opposition to any two state peace agreement with the Palestinians.
For the last 19 years Netanyahu has lied to the US government, the American People, and the World about his true intentions.
Please consider signing this petition: Democrats: Don't Side With Republicans on Iran