The Government chose to give peace a chance. The Government chose to do something to achieve it.

Steps toward a rapprochement between Israel and the Arab states create a process that turns economics into the moving force that shapes the regional relations instead of nationalist interests that were dominant in the past.

Israel is no longer a people that dwells alone, and has to join the global journey toward peace, reconciliation and international cooperation.

I am 73 years old. I was born in Jerusalem. I'm the first prime minister of Israel to be born here. I am the only former general to become a prime minister.

I believe however that peace is attainable regardless of the Arabs mentality, society or government.

We have to recognize that there is a Palestinian entity, that the PLO and the Palestinian Authority has to run their life.

For me, Jerusalem was united, will be under Israel sovereignty, will be the capital of Israel and the heart of the Jewish people.