The Secretary of the Netanyahu Cabinet, Tzvi Hauser, told Voice of Israel goverment radio from Washington that the prime minister’s visit in Washington, D.C., has been “successful and good – so far.” Understanding Re: Iran and Diplomatic Process “There are some differences [between the American and Israeli approaches,” Hauser said. “This is not new. But I would say that the half-filled part of the cup is more than the half-empty part... Regarding Iran, there is an understanding by [U.S. President] Obama that Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. On the diplomatic front with the Palestinian Authority, too, where there are some differences, he showed understanding - or even beyond that - for Netanyahu’s conception that Israel need not only give but must also receive, and that demands must be made on the Arab and Palestinian side as well, and not only at the end of the process, but at the beginning.” Interviewer Yaron Dekel reminded Hauser that Obama made it quite clear that he expected Israel to move towards a Palestinian state and freezing Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria. Specifically, Obama said, “Settlements have to be stopped in order for us to move forward. That's a difficult issue. I recognize that, but it's an important one and it has to be addressed.” Hauser responded, “Prime Minister Netanyahu presented his position to the president. This is the beginning of a process, of relations between two new governments, a synchronization of positions of sorts. There are some differences, but the intention is to work together, and there is potential for bridging the gaps. I truly believe that the differences in this meeting were marginal. Even regarding the two-state issue, the American position is well-known, but Netanyahu preferred to emphasize issues such as that Israel’s security and vital interests must be safeguarded, and these found an understanding ear.” Settlement Freeze Must be Taken in Context When pressed again regarding the Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, Hauser explained, “Netanyahu placed this issue in the right context. He said that Israel has been asked time after time to ‘give’ and make concessions, and we of course have done that, giving over all of Gush Katif and towns in the northern Shomron - but instead of receiving in response the dismantling of Palestinian terror infrastructures, we receive the opposite and a Hamas state in Gaza... The issue of settlements need not be exaggerated, it’s only one aspect. The Obama Administration understands that demands must be made on the PA-Arab side as well.” Asked what concessions Israel will make, Hauser said, “These issues are talked about privately, not over the radio.”
