Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a briefing to diplomatic reporters in Jerusalem on Thursday in which he declared, among other things, that any long-term agreement with the Palestinians would involve a long-term Israeli presence throughout the West Bank. “The first problem is what will be the nature of the regime on the other side,” he said. “Who will be in charge of the security in areas where Israel leaves? Who will deal with the tunnels? Who will prevent the smuggling of weapons? Who will prevent the manufacturing of weapons? My position remains a demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes the Jewish state. If the Palestinians would consider other options, we would be in a different place.” Read More
