Israel seeks peace that will end conflict once and for all, says Netanyahu

Israel seeks a peace that will end the conflict once and for all, and that will last for generations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday in a statement to be released at a scheduled joint press conference with other leaders involved in the Middle East direct talks.

"(Palestinian Authority) President Abbas, you are my partner in peace. It is up to us to overcome the agonizing conflict between our peoples and to forge a new beginning," Netanyahu said in a copy of the statement obtained by Xinhua from Israeli officials in advance.

"But peace must also be defended against its enemies," he added, stressing that a defensible peace requires security arrangements that can withstand the test of time and challenges.

He called on Abbas to work with him to "change the future."

Israeli and Palestinian leaders are scheduled to hold Middle East direct talks on Thursday, the first of its kind in 20 months.

Source: Xinhua