Israel

Netanyahu: 'we need to think outside the box'

November 24, 2016 20:58
Mr Netanyahu in Washington this week

ByJennifer Lipman, Jennifer Lipman

1 min read

Israeli Prime Minister Benajmin Netanyahu has called for a creative new approach to the Middle East conflict.

Following the launch of a new round of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians in Washington this week, Mr Netanyahu said there was a need to “think outside the box”.

He told Israel’s cabinet that for the negotiations to succeed: “We will have to learn the lessons of 17 years of experience from negotiations and to think creatively.”

Mr Netanyahu, who in Washington described Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas as “a partner for peace”, also said: “To achieve practical solutions, we'll have to think of new solutions to old problems.”

His comments came as Mr Abbas warned that “the situation will be very difficult” if Israel does not extend the West Bank construction freeze, due to expire at the end of September.

The two leaders will meet again on September 14 at Sharm el-Sheikh to continue peace talks.