Abbas accepts Knesset offer, but only under own terms

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has accepted an offer from Benjamin Netanyahu to address the Israeli parliament, but only on his terms.

Last week’s invitation came during a visit from the French president to Israel.  Netanyahu explained that – for a lasting peace – Palestinians needed to recognise Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.

“I call on him today: let’s break the stalemate,” said Netanyahu. “Come to the Knesset. I will come to Ramallah.”

Abbas replied: “If he wants me to come and say the things I want to say, then I am ready to do it, but only in order to say what I want to say and not what he wants to hear.”