He expressed optimism over what he sees as "movement" and "understanding" in the Arab world.
Italy will also do all in its power, according to Frattini, to protect Israeli interests within Europe. He expressed optimism over what he sees as "movement" and "understanding" in the Arab world that the time has come for normalization with Israel.
Knesset Member Rivlin met with Frattini in Rome, after having prayed at the city's synagogue and visited the communal sukkah (booth for dwelling during Sukkot). He was joined by the Israeli ambassador to Italy and by the Chief Rabbi of Rome.
"A large segment of the Israeli public is prepared for concessions in exchange for a political settlement, but not for fantasies," Rivlin told Frattini during their meeting. "The evacuation of the Gaza Strip brought about the creation of a difficult front in the south, in which the rocket fire on the citizens of Israel increased.
After eight years of restraint, we fought back, and we absorbed a harsh attack in the Goldstone Report. It is an intolerable situation in which we are unable to defend ourselves - on the one hand we are called upon to reach understandings with the Palestinians, but we are not supposed to militarily handle the possible outcomes of compromises."
Rivlin said that the two nations, Jews and Arabs, were "destined to live together.
Peace will come only if Israel's security is assured. The way in which the Palestinians interpret Israeli agreement to a Palestinian state is mistaken. There cannot be reciprocity between the states due to the tight geographical proximity and the area needed for Israeli security.
The establishment of a Palestinian state based on reciprocity will endanger the existence of Israel and we cannot allow that to happen."
Source: INN
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