OneVoice welcomes Netanyahu call for two states, asks for tangible commitments

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- At a joint press conference today in Jerusalem, American President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of their countries' shared values and interests.

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Netanyahu also clarified the new Israeli government's position vis-a-vis the peace process. He stated that his new government was committed to making peace with the Palestinians and to the reality of two states for two peoples.

"Israel remains fully committed to the solution of two states to two peoples. We extend our hand of peace to the Palestinian people," Netanyahu said in today's press conference.

OneVoice Israel (OVI) welcomes this clarification and commitment from the prime minister and believes that he must now demonstrate that commitment through concrete tangible actions by the Israeli government.

"Since the 2009 Bar-Ilan Speech, Prime Minister Netanyahu has gone on record supporting the two-state solution," said Tal Harris, executive director of OVI. "We must now translate words into actions. What does a vision for two states mean when the prospects for building those two states are rapidly eroding? Netanyahu has a rare opportunity to shift dynamics with the Palestinians from that of mutual incitement, violence, and settlements into building positive facts on the ground. Should Netanyahu choose peace, he may have a hard time with parts of his coalition, but we and the majority of Israelis will stand strong behind him."

Throughout President Obama's visit to the region this week, dozens of OVI youth leaders are approaching Israeli citizens on the streets of Jerusalem near the president's planned appearances and collecting their commitments to end the conflict on a giant "treaty" poster.

As part of the planned activity throughout Israel, OVI will be present outside the Jerusalem International Conference Center before the president's speech Thursday evening.

OneVoice seeks to amplify the voices of average Israelis and Palestinians, empowering them to propel their elected representatives toward a two-state solution. The Movement works to forge consensus and build a human infrastructure capable of mobilizing the people to hold their leadership accountable for establishing a negotiated, comprehensive, and permanent agreement that ends the occupation, ensures security and peace for both sides, and solves all final-status issues in accordance with international law and previous bilateral agreements. OneVoice focuses on civic engagement, youth leadership training, and public awareness campaigns to empower the grassroots to exercise their rights – and responsibility – to demand change and a peaceful future.