Hague: Israel losing its support in UK & EU over settlement construction

UK’s Foreign Secretary in interview with Sky News says window for 2-state solution closing fast, adding failure to progress may jeopardize Israel’s Jewish, democratic character.

By Ynet

As the minister charged with negotiations with the Palestinians, Livni said that the next few weeks will be critical for negotiations. “I hope the Palestinians realize that the goal is to restart talks and be focused,” she added. British Foreign Secretary William Hague, who is currently visiting Israel, said in an interview with Sky News that Israel has lost some support in Britain and in other European countries due to its settlement construction policy.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with British Foreign Secretary, William Hague. - Photo Moshe Milner, GPO

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with British Foreign Secretary, William Hague. – Photo: Moshe Milner, GPO

He warned that  the window of opportunity for Israel and the Palestinians to agree to form a two-state solution was closing fast.

Hague made the comments following statements by Minister Yuval Steinitz who told the Daily Telegraph that perceptions of Israel were more negative in Britain than in other countries.

Hague said that Britain strongly disagrees with “settlements on occupied land” and added that “We want to see both Israelis and Palestinians really commit themselves to the peace process while there is still a chance of a two-state solution.”

Failure to do so, he said, would mean Israel will struggle to maintain the two characteristics it holds dearest – that it remains both a Jewish state and a democracy.

On Thursday, Hague met with Justice Minister Tzipi Livni in Jerusalem after which the latter said that mutual accusations between Israel and the Palestinians must stop.

As the minister charged with negotiations with the Palestinians, Livni said that the next few weeks will be critical for negotiations. “I hope the Palestinians realize that the goal is to restart talks and be focused,” she added

View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4383700,00.html