Blair: Israel Not Getting Enough Credit

Tony Blair has stood up for Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israelis. The former British Prime Minister, and current envoy of the “Middle East Quartet,” said that Israel is not getting the credit it deserves for helping improve the quality of life for Palestinians.

Blair specifically pointed out efforts to remove roadblocks and checkpoints. Blair made a point to voice support for continued efforts by Israel to improve life for Judea and Samaria residents and hopes the efforts will continue.

The comments were made during a Monday meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu and Vice Premier Sivan Shalom. Netanyahu mentioned a recent decision to increase the operating hours of the Allenby Bridge border crossing between Israel and Jordan. The extended hours will make it easier for goods to flow both in and out of Palestinian areas.

Netanyahu also discussed plans for a light industrial zone in Beit Lechem (Bethlehem), a large industrial zone in Jenin, and an agricultural processing and export zone in Jericho.

Like him or not, Benjamin Netanyahu has been living up to his promise to increase economic development in the West Bank. I hope the rest of the world notices too.