Netanyahu embraces peace talks

JERUSALEM (AP) — Incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday his government would be a “partner for peace with the Palestinians,” softening his hawkish rhetoric a day after the centrist Labor Party joined his coalition in exchange for vaguely worded promises to pursue negotiations.

During his election campaign, the Likud Party leader painted himself as an opponent of peace talks. But facing the prospect of a clash with the Obama administration, Netanyahu has been tempering his line.

Peace is a “common and enduring goal for all Israelis and Israeli governments, mine included,” Netanyahu told an economic conference in Jerusalem. “This means I will negotiate with the Palestinian Authority for peace,” he added.

“The Palestinians should understand that they have in our government a partner for peace, for security, for the rapid development of the Palestinian economy,” Netanyahu said. But he remains vague on the issue of Palestinian statehood, a key component of current peace efforts.

With the backing of at least 69 lawmakers, and likely more, he plans to present his government to parliament next week for its approval, he said. His spokeswoman Dina Libster said the vote likely would take place Tuesday.

Palestinians welcomed Netanyahu’s words but said they must be matched by deeds. On Tuesday, President Barack Obama said it was “critical” to advance Palestinian statehood, while acknowledging that “it’s not easier than it was,” given the rightward political shift in Israel.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu said his plan to develop the Palestinian economy was not a substitute for political negotiations but “a complement to them.” A strong Palestinian economy is a “strong foundation for peace,” he said.

Netanyahu spoke hours after Labor voted to join his coalition, adding a moderate element to what had been shaping up to be a narrow, hawkish government. Labor led the country for decades and signed peace agreements with the Palestinians and Jordan in the 1990s.

Netanyahu has tried unsuccessfully to also draw the centrist Kadima Party of outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert into his government. But Kadima leader Tzipi Livni appeared cool to the idea even after the pact with Labor and Netanyahu’s pledge to pursue Palestinian peace talks.

Livni on Wednesday called Netanyahu’s prospective coalition a government “conceived in sin.” She has rejected Netanyahu’s overtures because he has refused to commit to negotiating the creation of a Palestinian state.