Israel is a start-up nation, and I think it can be done in other places. I will do it outside the government. I don't need the government.

In any democratic country you have more than one view.

Bringing an end to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians may help the young Arab generation to realise their aspirations. Israel is more than willing to offer our experience in building a modern economy in spite of limited resources to the whole region.

Our problem is not to submit to the differences but to overcome them.

In many ways, the media today makes dictatorship impossible. But it also makes democracy intolerable.

I read when I get up in the morning, when I can during the day and every single evening. Most of my weekends are spent reading great books. Books are my constant companions. If you eat three times a day you'll be fed. But if you read three times a day you'll be wise.

Nothing had excited me-the huge cars, the entourages, the bodyguards, the policeman jumping to attention, all meant nothing to me ... till I came to the old man's office. (On becoming prime minister)