In an exclusive interview, Jerusalem-born President Reuven Rivlin told Israel Hayom after his visit to Poland that he is "in favor of building in Jerusalem and doing it in broad day light, and not in opportunistic grabs in one way or another."
Mr. President do you think that Israel needs to build in all Jerusalem neighborhoods, including Gilo and Ramat Shlomo (both beyond the Green Line)-
"These are Jerusalem neighborhoods and there is no disagreement regarding them. It would benefit us to set things straight with our supporters in the world and explain that this topic does not need to be discussed yet again. It should be agreed upon with our friends, especially the U.S. It should also be explained that a sweeping majority of Israelis do not accept [not being able to build in those neighborhoods]."
Are you worried about a third intifada breaking out in Jerusalem and spreading to the rest of Israel-
"It appears that the Palestinians also understand that an intifada could spell destruction for them as well. We need to learn how, in tough times, we can overcome disagreements. Everyone has to decide what they went and then convince the other party that good can come out of dialogue."
Do you believe the Palestinians are ready for real negotiations to secure peace-
"The Palestinians have different approaches. Unfortunately, there are groups that do not recognize Israel's right to exist. I don't mind negotiating with them as long as they say we are negotiating on how to coexist, not to help them wait until they are able to destroy me. That will happen only when the Palestinians decide that they want to finally talk about living in full cooperation and lasting peace."
You recently said Israeli society is ill, what worries you most about Israel-
"The extremism and unwillingness to listen. Jews to Arabs and Arabs to Jews. Ultra-Orthodox to secular, rich and poor, east to west. These things make everyone prone to crude outbursts. Extremism spells the death of everything that is good. Israeli society is in danger. A warning must be sounded because we are at a point in which we are no longer brothers. There are civil wars that are far worse than wars against enemies."