Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Thursday that he has been invited to speak before U.S. congress next month, a speech widely expected to reveal Israel's new initiative for the peace process with the Palestinians.
Netanyahu said at a Likud Party Passover holiday toast that he sees the invitation as "a great opportunity."
Earlier in the day, U.S. House Speaker John Boehner announced his intention to invite the Israeli prime minister to address a joint meeting of U.S. congress when the latter visits Washington next month.
Without mentioning the details of his coming speech, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's two "principles" in any possible solution for the Middle East conflicts: the recognition of Israel as a Jewish nation's state and security arrangements.
He said that his government will pursue a "real peace" that can last and ensure Israel's security, instead of "peace on paper."
Local media and analysts have speculated that the Israeli prime minister will present a long-term intermediate agreement during his speech in Washington, to break the deadlock in the peace process with the Palestinians.
The negotiations have been idle since September 2010 after an Israeli freeze on settlement construction in the West Bank ended.
The speech is also seen as an Israeli effort to sideline the Palestinian bid for U.N. recognition in September as a state within the 1967 borders.
Netanyahu on Thursday suggested that his government will not accept the unilateral move by the Palestinians and the international pressure around it.
"We will stand for our principles and fight those who try to dictate terms that would strip us of security and peace," local news site Ynet quoted the prime minister as saying.
Front Page Features