I had assumed that Likud Party leader Bibi Netanyahu was avoiding the spotlight so as not to seem eager to replace Sharon. He seems to be resurfacing now, laying out positions on key issues at a conference in Herzliya (via Nephtuli).
Speaking at the Herzliya Conference, the former prime minister also said he favors immediate steps to reduce friction with the Palestinian population, including decreasing the number of checkpoints and increasing freedom of movement along roads.
Netanyahu aides called it a defining speech that sets out the Likud’s updated platform and positions it on the center-right side of the political map.
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Netanyahu said: “I say once again: obviously peace negotiations will involve concessions by both sides, that is also by the Israeli side. Before any peace agreement involving concessions, there will be a referendum to allow the Israeli public to decide directly on territorial determinations.”
With Netanyahu trying to appeal to Israel’s center, he’s not sounding that different from Sharon (although what he’d actually do in office is another story). The only explicit difference in policy seems to be opposition to unilateral withdrawals.
