Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called for "outside the box" thinking to reach a settlement in the Middle East issue and promised a "historic compromise" with neighbours, provided his country's security interests are not harmed. "In order to succeed this time, we must draw lessons from 17 years of negotiations, and think in a creative way and outside the box in order to reach practical solutions.
"I believe this is possible, and I'm willing to reach a historic compromise with our neighbours, as long as our interests, led by security, are maintained," Netanyahu told his cabinet. He said what is required is creative, novel thinking in order to resolve these complex issues.
The Israeli leader also said that he has sensed signs of maturity in the Arab world which he said was realising the importance of a peace agreement with Israel. "There may be some important countries which have yet to stand up for a move of peace, but my impression from their willingness to reach peace despite the attacks reflects a feeling of maturity in the Arab world," Netanyahu said.
"It's time to move forward towards peace with the Palestinians and extend it to a wider circle," he said. "This feeling stems from my understanding of the meaning of the other alternatives, as well as the recognition (of Arab countries) that an agreement with Israel is required".
