Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out dismantling West Bank settlements, seen as an essential part of any final peace deal with the Palestinians.Source
Mr. Netanyahu told his Cabinet that the Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip in 2005 did not bring peace or security. Israel dismantled 21 settlements back then and removed 8,000 settlers from their homes. But a year later the Islamic militant group Hamas seized control of Gaza and stepped up rocket attacks across the border.
Mr. Netanyahu said Gaza is a Hamas terror base controlled by Iran.
"We will not repeat this mistake," he said. "We will not create new evacuees."
Ah, but:
"Should we achieve a turn toward peace with the more moderate partners," Netanyahu continued, "we will insist on the recognition of the State of Israel and the demilitarization of the future Palestinian state."
