Netanyahu Returns Home as Controversy Brews

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted a statement on his Facebook page Wednesday flatly declaring “I will not uproot or evacuate settlements.” The statement was a response to an uproar of criticism from within his own governing coalition and political allies on the Right regarding comments he made Tuesday during a visit to the Center for American Progress think tank in Washington, DC. In response to questions about his plans for the future of the West Bank, he said “Unilateralism works less well than a negotiated solution. The main problem that we have is the acceptance of the principle that Israel will take care of security in the areas west of the Jordan.” Critics interpreted that as his willingness to withdrawing civilians from portions of Area C in exchange for a continued military presence in those areas, but his Facebook statement appeared to be an attempt to put an end to such speculation. Read More