From the Liveblog of
Monday, December 26, 2016
PM: My response to UN vote was measured, rational reaction
Netanyahu defends his response to the UN Security Council vote condemning the settlements as measured and a natural reaction to hostility from the rest of the world.
“”I read in several newspapers this morning that they are complaining about my vigorous stand against the countries that voted against us at the UN,” Netanyahu says at a Hanukkah party in the northern city of Ma’alot.
“Israel is a country with national pride and we do not turn the other cheek,” he says. “This was a rational response, assertive and considered. This is a responsible, measured and vigorous response, the natural response of a healthy people that is making it clear to the nations of the world that what was done at the UN is unacceptable to us.”
Furthermore, he says, the time for Israel attempts to “ingratiate” itself is over.
“There is no alternative to a determined response because it is, in effect, creating the basis for a different approach in the future,” he says.
“I tell you that there is no diplomatic wisdom in being ingratiating. Not only will our relations with the nations of the world not be harmed, over time they will only improve because the nations of the world respect strong countries that stand up for themselves and do not respect weak ingratiating countries that bow their heads.”
