Prior to Obama’s visit, Yisrael Beiteinu chairmain says Israel-Palestinian conflict can’t be solved and stressed that his party will oppose any type of construction freeze.

By Moran Azulay

Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman said he does not believe the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be solved and rejected any possible freeze in settlement construction.

“After seeing no result following the 10-month freeze I said I would oppose any freeze inside or outside the (major settlement) blocs,” Lieberman said. “We are willing to make gestures but they cannot be one-sided. Yisrael Beiteinu will fiercely oppose any attempt to resume the freeze.”

Lieberman acknowledged that this stance will inevitably create frictions within the coalition. “I never said I see eye to eye with (Tzipi) Livni on the political level,” he remarked.

The former foreign minister said that the new government must focus on internal affairs. “This government’s job is to focus on internal problems first. There is no point in going back to the same pattern.”

Netanyahu and Obama. Expecting clear answers on Iran – Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO

He noted he does not see a solution to the conflict. “We should all look back four years and see where we stood on the Palestinian issue. I see no change, no progress and that is why I think this issue should not be in the way. My estimate is that nothing will happen.”

He further added, “Those who talk about solving the Palestinian problem must be deluding themselves. This conflict cannot be solved, it should be managed. And relations with the Palestinians must be strengthened. We are not an island.”

Lieberman also addressed US President Barack Obama’s visit to Israel, labeling it an Israeli achievement. “A US president who arrives in Jerusalem on his second term is in itself a huge success,” he said.

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