Israel renews opposition to the establishment of the Palestinian state

The Israeli government has reiterated its position rejecting any declaration providing for the establishment of the Palestinian state and warned against the consequences of such a declaration.

In a press conference he held jointly in occupied Jerusalem with Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon and Defense Minister Moshe Arens, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a government under his chairmanship in the future will not permit such a declaration, in guaranteeing the vital security interests of Israel.

Netanyahu said that President Yasser Arafat delayed the declaration of the Palestinian state, as scheduled on May 4 because he understood that Israel is determined to take tough measures in case a Palestinian state is declared, a matter which was considered by Netanyahu as a gain realized by his government.

For his part Sharon welcomed the delay, adding that this delay was made due to intensive activity carried out by Israel in the international arena. Sharon asserted that Israel considered UN resolution no 181 provides for the establishment of both Arab and Jewish states on the Palestinian territories as null and void.

He expressed his government's opposition to the Palestinian side involving the resolution in the current negotiations between the two sides.

Arens, for his part, stressed that the Israeli army forces are on alert to oppose any strikes or demonstrations that may take place in the Palestinian street as a result of the delay in declaring the Palestinian state , Israel Radio reported.