Dr. Saab Erekat, member of the PLO executive committee commenting on Netanyahu’s statement regarding the two state solution

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mrs. Federica Mogherini, met with Palestinians and Israelis Wednesday, in an attempt to prompt adherence to the 2-State Solution and ask both sides to fulfill their commitments to previous rounds of negotiations and agreements, including halting Israeli settlement expansion.

Mrs. Mogherini’s visit came during Israel’s announcement of further settlement construction in Beit Sahour (Har Homa settlement – 90 units), as well as in and around Occupied East Jerusalem, including the Ramat Shlomo settlement. The move was in direct contravention of international law and Israel’s obligations under previous agreements, as well as a slight to the international community’s commitment to facilitate peace. This also comes just days after Israel announced a new policy to “sterilize” public transportation systems, thereby segregating Palestinians and implementing Jewish-only public transport.

“It is clear through Netanyahu’s actions, comments, and remarks that Israel has paved a new wave of racist and extremist policies and is not a partner for peace,” Dr. Saeb Erekat, Chief Palestinian Negotiator said following his meeting with Mrs. Mogherini. “It is not about Mr. Netanyahu’s public relations skills claiming that he supports a two-state solution, but about his actions. The new Israeli cabinet has shown its commitment to consolidate an Apartheid regime in occupied Palestine as well as to continue its incitement campaign against Palestinians, sending the message that Palestinian lives, history and culture don’t matter.”

During Netanyahu’s meeting with Mrs. Mogherini, Netanyahu brazenly expressed his disregard for the international community’s peace efforts by openly presenting Israel’s duplicity in the face of peace. While Netanyahu made his extremist, right-wing government’s position clear they have no desire for peace with the Palestinian people, the international community has become increasingly vague in regard to its position on the new Israel.

Dr. Erekat added: “The international community has allowed Israel to stall the prospects of a just and lasting peace for too long and has a responsibility to face Netanyahu’s hypocrisy head on, and not at the expense of the Palestinian people. We call on the international community to do nothing more than demand Israel fulfill its obligations under international law.”