Following his historic speech in Cairo Thursday, US President Barack Obama submitted to a special interview with seven journalists, including Yedioth Ahronoth correspondent Nahum Barnea, saying he sees a great opportunity to advance Mideastern peace.
Noting that Israel is an economic power, the president said Israel could achieve greater prosperity though trade with Gulf States, while the Palestinians would enjoy the investments of Palestinian expatriates.
"I see a great opportunity here," Obama said, but added that there is still a long way to go before his Mideastern peace vision is realized.
During the interview, the president said he was confident that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be able to advance a peace process, and may secure greater achievements than a leftist leader.
Only the anti-Communist Nixon could open the doors to China, Obama said, adding that Netanyahu may be able to promote compromises that a leftist leader could not.
Obama noted that he met Netanyahu three times, characterizing the Israeli PM as highly intelligent and adding that in his second term in office Israel's leader was imbued with a genuine sense of history in the face of the mission he faces.
The president said that while the US cannot enforce a solution, but may be able to convince the parties involved why a solution is important.
Turning his attention to rocket attacks on Israeli citizens, Obama said it was understandable why Israelis lost faith in the prospect of being granted security and recognition by the Arab world.
As to Hamas, the president said that one could not deny that the group enjoys certain support among the Palestinian public, but stressed that power has to come with responsibility. Obama reiterated his demand of Hamas to meet three conditions – put an end to violence, ratify previous agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist.
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