(Prime Minister's Office) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem on Sunday: Major Arab countries are changing their view of Israel. They don't see Israel anymore as their enemy, but they see Israel as their ally, especially in the battle against militant Islam with its two fountainheads: the militant Islamists led by Iran and the militant Islamists led by Daesh [ISIS]. Most of the Arab countries in the Middle East, with the exception of Syria, feel threatened by this dual threat. This is something that is forging new ties, many of them discreet, some of them open. It used to be said that if we can have some kind of political progress with the Palestinians, that would bring about better relations with the Arab world. I think it could actually be the other way around. I think the better relations with the Arab world could help bring progress with the Palestinians. The encouragement of leading Arab states for a more realistic position on the part of the Palestinian Authority might contribute to a stabilizing situation and even advancing to a better future. America remains the best friend of the State of Israel. The United States and Israel are the greatest allies. And I deeply appreciate the support of President Obama, the Congress, and the American people. I think the American people understand that in this turbulent Middle East and this turbulent world, America has no better friend than Israel and Israel has no better friend than the United States of America. I am committed to the simple principle that all Jews must feel at home in Israel. You are always welcome here; your help is deeply appreciated; your friendship is unassailable; and your loyalty to the future of our people is indisputable. And for all that, I want to thank you.
2016-02-15 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive