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Netanyahu 'will be peace partner' Netanyahu 'will be peace partner'
(about 1 hour later)
Israel's next prime minister, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, has said his incoming government will be a "partner for peace" with the Palestinians.Israel's next prime minister, Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu, has said his incoming government will be a "partner for peace" with the Palestinians.
He said he would negotiate with the Palestinian Authority, a change of tack after being critical of previous talks.He said he would negotiate with the Palestinian Authority, a change of tack after being critical of previous talks.
Correspondents say the right-winger is trying to temper his image as an opponent of the peace process.Correspondents say the right-winger is trying to temper his image as an opponent of the peace process.
Palestinian officials said Mr Netanyahu must back the idea of a Palestinian state to be considered a partner.Palestinian officials said Mr Netanyahu must back the idea of a Palestinian state to be considered a partner.
The incoming prime minister, who previously led Israel from 1996 to 1999, is also coming under international pressure to publicly support a two-state solution.The incoming prime minister, who previously led Israel from 1996 to 1999, is also coming under international pressure to publicly support a two-state solution.
Obama factorObama factor
Mr Netanyahu was speaking at an economic conference in Jerusalem, one day after broadening what had been a narrow right-wing and far-right coalition to include the centre-left Labour party.Mr Netanyahu was speaking at an economic conference in Jerusalem, one day after broadening what had been a narrow right-wing and far-right coalition to include the centre-left Labour party.
He said his previously-stated intention to shore up the Palestinian economy would not be a substitute for peace talks.He said his previously-stated intention to shore up the Palestinian economy would not be a substitute for peace talks.
It's time for deeds from both sides as far as their commitments are concerned, not words Saeb ErekatPalestinian negotiator Tough dealing ahead for Netanyahu Profile: Benjamin Netanyahu Send us your comments It's time for deeds from both sides as far as their commitments are concerned, not words Saeb ErekatPalestinian negotiator Tough dealing ahead for Netanyahu Profile: Benjamin Netanyahu Send us your comments
"Peace: It's not the last goal. It's a common and enduring goal for all Israelis and all Israeli governments - mine included."Peace: It's not the last goal. It's a common and enduring goal for all Israelis and all Israeli governments - mine included.
"This means I will negotiate with the Palestinian Authority for peace," he said."This means I will negotiate with the Palestinian Authority for peace," he said.
"I think that the Palestinians should understand that they have in our government a partner for peace, for security and for rapid economic development of the Palestinian economy," he added."I think that the Palestinians should understand that they have in our government a partner for peace, for security and for rapid economic development of the Palestinian economy," he added.
But Mr Netanyahu gave no hint of whether or not he would support the creation of an independent Palestinian state.But Mr Netanyahu gave no hint of whether or not he would support the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Palestinian negotiators have been urging him to back the plan, embraced by international mediators, including US President Barack Obama, and more moderate Israeli leaders.Palestinian negotiators have been urging him to back the plan, embraced by international mediators, including US President Barack Obama, and more moderate Israeli leaders.
In a televised news conference on Tuesday, US President Barack Obama - who also backs Palestinian statehood - said peace efforts would not get "easier" with a Netanyahu government, but were "just as necessary".In a televised news conference on Tuesday, US President Barack Obama - who also backs Palestinian statehood - said peace efforts would not get "easier" with a Netanyahu government, but were "just as necessary".
Reacting to Mr Netanyahu's comments, senior Palestinian officials said the incoming prime minister would be judged on his actions. Reacting to Mr Netanyahu's comments, senior Palestinian officials were sceptical, but said the incoming prime minister would be judged on his actions.
"Any Israeli government that accepts the two-state solution, negotiates with us on all core issues without exception, and agrees to stop settlement activity... will be a partner," senior negotiator Saeb Erekat told Reuters news agency. "As far as we're concerned an Israeli government that refuses the two-state solution and continues the settlement, will not be a partner to us," senior negotiator Saeb Erekat told the BBC.
"It's time for deeds from both sides as far as their commitments are concerned, not words." He said the new Israeli government must be obliged to sign up to past agreements, in the same way that the Palestinian Authority was forced to after the militant Hamas movement won its legislative elections in 2006.
Labour division
Mr Netanyahu's path to government was confirmed on Tuesday when Labour leader Ehud Barak agreed to join a coalition government with the Likud party.
But the defence minister's decision provoked an angry reaction from some members within the leftist party, historic opponents of Likud.
Several Labour lawmakers have said they oppose the move and would not support Mr Barak on the issue.
Labour lawmaker Sheli Yachimovich said she would struggle to vote for a government including Avigdor Leiberman, leader of the far-right Yisrael Beiteinu party.
"I assume I'll find a middle way... and simply won't participate in the vote," she said.
Fellow Knesset member Ophir Paz-Pines was even more scathing, declaring that former Labour prime ministers would be "turning in their graves".
But Mr Barak's deputy as defence minister, Matan Vilnai, told Israel Radio there was "no doubt" Labour would pull Mr Netanyahu's government towards the centre.