by WorldTribune Staff, September 6, 2017
An unprecedented thawing of relations between Israel and the Sunni Arab world is flawed only by the policies of the Palestinian Authority, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
“What we have now is greater than anything else during any other period in Israel’s history,” Netanyahu said on Sept. 6 at an event at the Foreign Ministry, Channel 2 reported.
Related: Iran hits growing consensus between Israel and Sunni Muslim states, February 20, 2017
The prime minister noted the dramatic shift in the Arab world’s behavior towards Israel is more significant than the progress made following the 1993 Olso Accords and 1994 peace treaty with Jordan.
“What’s happening now with the Arab bloc states has never before happened in our history – even when we signed agreements,” said Netanyahu.
Netanyahu, however, said the improved relations with most Arab states have yet to expand direct cooperation with Israel.
Netanyahu added that the Palestinian Authority, unlike most of the Sunni Arab world, remains stuck in the past with regards to its attitude towards Israel.
“Unfortunately, the Palestinians still haven’t changed their terms for a peace agreement, which are totally unacceptable for a large part of the public,” Netanyahu said.
Israel has strengthened its diplomatic position elsewhere, Netanyahu continued, saying Israel’s “alliance with the United States is stronger than ever,” and said the Jewish state was “developing” a relationship with Eastern European countries.
In Africa, as well, Netanyahu said Israel was fostering closer ties.
“Our return [diplomatically] to Africa expands the scope of technological assistance, and that in turn creates a lot of interest [in ties with Israel] on the continent.”
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