Netanyahu from London: Supporters of a two-state solution do not define the intent of the term and settlements are a side issue

In a long interview with the BBC, Netanyahu avoided supporting the creation of a Palestinian state directly. He replied to a question about the death of the two-state solution by saying, “I want to ensure that what comes next will not threaten our lives. The nature of the second state has a lot to do with it, and the supporters of the two-state solution do not define the intent of the term.

Netanyahu stressed that settlements are a “side issue” in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and that the central issue is the Palestinians’ refusal to accept the existence of a Jewish state. “I think the idea that the Jews cannot live in Judea is madness,” he said.

Replying to a question about his support for a Palestinian state, Netanyahu said, “I think they should have the ability to govern themselves without being able to threaten us.”