Netanyahu: ‘Perceived for decades as enemy, Israel now seen as strong ally’

After being seen as an enemy for decades by its regional neighbors, Israel is now seen as a strong ally, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu said that Israel’s economic prosperity and military and intelligence strength have allowed it to stand its ground and will eventually pave the way to a peace based on Israeli strength, not concessions.

‘Since the beginning of Zionism, one hand was holding the weapon, the other was extended to those who seek peace,’ Netanyahu said.

The remarks were made at the opening of a landmark Knesset (Israel Parliament) session focused on the Israel-UAE peace treaty.

The session will see over a hundred lawmakers take the floor for four minutes each to deliver remarks on the historic agreement, with a vote on ratification expected later in the day.

The document is expected to clear the Knesset, with only the Arab Joint List announcing so far that the party would vote against the deal.

More to follow.