The incoming Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally presented its government coalition guidelines, which explicitly reaffirmed its commitment to pursue a peace process with the Palestinians.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) translated the relevant text: “The government will advance the diplomatic process and strive to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians and all our neighbours, while maintaining Israel’s security, historical and national interests. If an agreement such as this is achieved, it will be sent for approval to the government and Knesset, and if necessary by law, to a referendum.” The Hebrew text is embedded below.

AFP went on to note that “The rest of the government policy outline deals with issues such as reducing the cost of living, improving competition in the Israeli economy, boosting education and protecting the environment,” which are not significantly “different to those published by Netanyahu for his two previous governments, formed in 2009 and 2013.”

American-sponsored peace talks last year ended when Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas refused to accept a framework agreement offered by the American government. Abbas subsequently agreed to a unity government with the Gaza-based terror group Hamas, and signed international agreements as part of an effort to declare a state unilaterally.

[Photo: Israel Foreign Affairs Min. / YouTube ]