'No surprise if whole world recognizes Palestinian state'
In response to S. American countries' announcements, Ben-Eliezer says "even US may join list," says peace talks are in Israel, ME interests.
By JPOST.COM STAFFben eliezer writing 311(photo credit: Eli Neeman)
Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer said Sunday "I would not be surprised if within a year the whole world will support a Palestinian state, including the United States. Then we will ask where we were and what we did." His comments came in response to a number of South American countries recognizing a Palestinian state.Speaking before the weekly cabinet meeting, Ben-Eliezer stressed that "starting peace negotiations is in the interest of Israel and the Middle East."RELATED:Latin America: Southern discomfortBen-Eliezer: US must press sides to resume talks"We must do everything to reach a dialogue with the Palestinians, even if the price is a [construction] freeze for several months," Ben-Eliezer said."I hope that Hamas stops the rocket fire from Gaza, we have no interest in escalation," he went on to say. "We have no choice but to respond."Ben-Eliezer warned that "if they think they will continue to disturb the lives of families and continue to carry out kidnappings, we will not allow it.""However, I repeat - we have no interest in an escalation," Ben-Eliezer added.Ben-Elizer's comments came as tensions along the border with the Gaza Strip intensified. Overnight Saturday IDF troops, with the help of a helicopter gunship, fired on insurgents who detonated an explosive device against a passing Israeli patrol near the border in the southern Gaza Strip.Two Islamic Jihad gunmen were killed during the attack.
