Following a series of phone calls between the Prime Minister’s Office and Peres’ aides in New York, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres told the UN that “there is a consensus in Israel for a Palestinian state,” although he prefaced it by saying, “This is not the official policy of the State of Israel…”

Earlier in the day, however, the picture looked slightly different, as follows:

As these words are being written, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres is about to deliver a speech at the United Nations in which may he say that there exists a consensus in Israel for a Palestinian state. Speaking with CNN’s Paula Zahn yesterday, Peres gave a preview of what some think he will say in the UN by explaining, “There is disagreement as to the size of the state [and other] aspects, but the idea that the two nations must live in two separate nations is accepted by all [in Israel].” [ A poll carried out for Makor Rishon in July found that 48% of the public would support the establishment of a Palestinian state - and even then only in the framework of "an overall peace that would ensure the security interests of Israel." See "http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=7452" ]

In addition to granting the informal “recognition” of a PLO state, Peres is also expected to propose that difficult issues such as Jerusalem and the refugees be left for a later stage.

The Prime Minister’s office released a statement that Peres’ speech will represent only his own views, and that he did not coordinate his speech with Sharon – but Peres’ men say that Sharon knows very well what Peres plans to say.

Housing Minister Natan Sharansky is outspoken against a PA state: “The P.A. has proven itself to be a terrorist authority,” he said today. “The establishment of a Palestinian state at this time means the establishment of another terrorist state in the world. Who needs that? … When Peres speaks of broad spread Israeli support for a Palestinian state, it certainly doesn’t include Yisrael B’Aliyah nor, in my opinion, most of the population.”

This entry was posted on Friday, November 16th, 2001 and is filed under news.