Netanyahu endorses independent Palestinian state in policy speech

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave his much-awaited policy speech on Sunday.

For the first time, he endorsed the idea of establishing an independent Palestinian state beside Israel. This has caused mixed reactions from Israel and the Palestinian territories.

In a half-hour speech broadcast nationwide during prime time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out his vision.

He sees two free peoples living side-by-side as good neighbors and with mutual respect. But he said this could only be realized if the Palestinians recognize Israel as the state of the Jewish people.

Furthermore, he requires the guarantee of Palestine's demilitarization and necessary security arrangements for Israel.

His call for establishing a Palestinian state was greeted with lukewarm applause.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, said, "Israel is obligated to international agreements and expects all the other parties to fulfill their obligations as well. I am telling the Palestinians this evening - we want to live with you in peace, in serenity, and as good neighbors. We want that our children and your children will no longer witness war."

In his speech, Netanyahu gave no indication as to how much captured land he would be willing to relinquish. He also said the holy city of Jerusalem must remain under Israeli sovereignty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a speech at Bar Ilan University near Tel Aviv, June 14, 2009. Netanyahu Sunday night called on the Palestinians to resume Middle East peace talks without preconditions and presented three conditions for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. (Xinhua/Pool-Baz Ratner)