Netanyahu urges Palestinians to ‘work for peace and not for extremism’
Israeli prime minister insists Jerusalem is the capital of his country and urges Mahmoud Abbas to recognise it
Israel’s prime minister has urged the Palestinians to halt what he calls extremist statements and recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
In a speech on Wednesday, Benjamin Netanyahu said the Palestinians should “work for peace and not for extremism”.
He said that not only is Jerusalem Israel’s capital, but Israel is committed to protecting the freedom of worship for all religions.
Mr Netanyahu did not explicitly mention Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas’ speech to a summit of Muslim leaders in Turkey, but appeared to be referring to it.
In his speech, the Palestinian leader said the US is unfit to mediate Mideast peace talks after President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Mr Abbas has been making similar statements since Mr Trump’s announcement last week.
“All of these declarations do not impress us,” Mr Netanyahu said.
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