Israeli Foreign Minister TzipiLivni said on Tuesday that peace negotiations with moderate Palestinians and "the war on terror" should be pursued simultaneously, local daily The Jerusalem Post reported.
Livni outlined the basic principles of Israeli policy regarding the Gaza Strip and the West Bank during a meeting with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The Israeli top diplomat said that Israel plans to negotiate with moderate Palestinian officials in the West Bank while simultaneously continues "the war on terror" in Gaza. Livni's remarks echo a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday.
Addressing a meeting of Israeli and German cabinet ministers in honor of visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Olmert said Israel would spare no effort to prevent Hamas from hurting its citizens and at the same time try to promote the peace process with the Palestinians.
"At the same time and regardless of the (security) situation, we will continue to push the peace process between us and the (Palestinian) pragmatists, headed by Abu Mazen (Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas)," Olmert said.
As for Iran and Hamas, Livni called on the world to act decisively towards them, saying that hesitation was likely to be perceived by extremists as a victory, strengthen their resolve, and cast a negative influence on the entire region.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli President Shimon Peres told Merkel during a meeting at the president's residence in Jerusalem that the U.S. and Europe must present a united front in order top revent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
Iran was accused of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program but the Islamic Republic has denied the charges and insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
Source: Xinhua
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