THE Israeli Prime Minister attempted to counter criticism he has received from European states in recent months at a meeting with the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste in Dublin yesterday.
Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, believed by many European leaders to oppose EU political involvement in the Middle East peace process, insisted he wanted Europe to play a role. But at his meeting with Mr Bruton and Mr Spring he emphasised his approval for EU economic assistance for the peace process rather than any political role.
Israel is understood to favour retaining the status quo, whereby the US - which has been sympathetic towards it - remains the main international power broker in the region and the EU (which is more critical of Israel) continues to be the largest financier of the peace process.
But he struck a conciliatory note at his press conference yesterday. I think for too long Israel has neglected the importance of Europe and the possibility of positive contributions that Europe can make in our area, and that is very much not my policy," Mr Netanyahu said.
He told Mr Bruton and Mr Spring he had met most EU leaders since his election, and he had welcomed the appointment of an EU envoy to the Middle East a month ago. His commitment to Europe should be judged by his actions, he said.
Mr Bruton and Mr Spring raised EU concerns about the lack of progress towards fulfilling the Oslo peace accords, according to a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman. They asked about the delay in the Israel withdrawal from the West Bank town of Hebron, the growth of Jewish settlements in the occupied territories, and the continuing policy of regularly closing the borders between Palestinian Authority areas and Israel.
Mr Netanyahu said the disagreement over Hebron was now 95 per cent resolved. On the expansion of Jewish settlements, he said his government was building less than the last Labour government, which was theoretically opposed to building more settlers' homes in the occupied territories. He said his government had increased the number of migrant workers crossing into Israel from 25,000 to 50,000.
The Taoiseach afterwards described the meeting as "exceptionally friendly" and "exceptionally useful". He said from his meeting with Mr Netanyahu, and with President Arafat a few weeks ago he could see "a will to move forward with the peace process". The EU was anxious to provide political and economic support for reconstruction, he said.
Mr Netanyahu said Ireland and Israel had similarities in their histories. "We are both small peoples and we have had to struggle long and hard to achieve independence."
There was little opportunity to question Mr Netanyahu. Just one short press conference, on the steps of Government Buildings, was slotted into his itinerary. The time of the press conference was moved back by half an hour at short notice, causing many journalists to miss it.
According to a Government spokesman, the press conference was brought back due to difficulties over the timing of Mr Netanyahu's meeting with Mr Spring.