Netanyahu: End Dependence on Oil

by Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu Netanyahu: ‘No’ to Oil

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told the presidential “Facing Tomorrow" conference Tuesday night that the world must end its dependence on oil "that strengthens terror and damages planet Earth.”

He said that the dependence on “black gold” raises the price of oil and stunts economic growth in Africa and other poor areas of the world, as well as in developed countries. Oil also pollutes the air and water, Prime Minister Netanyahu added. “By changing this dependence we can change the world.”

He called for an international conference of scientists and businessmen to “produce a practical and efficient program for the development for efficient energy alternatives to replace oil in 10 years."

The Prime Minister also repeated a call for Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas to resume talks with Israel on the creation of a new Arab state within Israel's current borders.

President Shimon Peres opened up the annual "Facing Tomorrow" conference by noting that the Ten Commandments are the basis for Israel’s morality. He told 1,500 guests, including Jewish and world leaders, that Israel is a small country with physical borders but that its progress is unlimited.

The President focused on environmental issues after he noted the Jewish State has given a positive response to American efforts to resume negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, and has clearly said “no” to terror, which “destroys individual rights.”

Peres declared that “We are a positive country for peace, freedom and justice [a must defend our own lives to achieve peace with neighbors," adding that “We have gone through nine wars and have won them all. Israel a strong and progressive state that can contribute [to the wor and not just struggle” along.

Other speakers Tuesday night include Quarter Middle East envoy Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of Britain, and Mort Zuckerman, chairman of the conference and editor-in-chief of U.S. News & World Report.

This year’s conference focuses on questions concerning the social, cultural, psychological, political and economic ramifications of the Internet and new media age.