November 20, 2012

JERUSALEM (JTA) — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will arrive in Israel to discuss plans for a ceasefire.

Clinton, one of several world leaders who will arrive or have already arrived in Israel to press for a ceasefire, reportedly is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Israel on Tuesday. Ban arrived from Cairo, where ceasefire negotiations are underway, where he told reporters that an Israeli ground operation in Gazawould be a “dangerous escalation.” 
 

“Immediate steps are needed by all to avoid a further escalation, including a ground operation which will only result in further tragedy,” he said. He did add that Israel has “legitimate security concerns.” 

 He also called for negotiations toward a two-state solution and “an end to the occupation.”

Ban is scheduled to meet with Netanyahu and Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Netanyahu met Tuesday with German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, who said in a statement after the meeting that “Germany stands by our friends in Israel, and Israel has every right to defend itself and protect their own citizens against these missile attacks from Gaza into your country.” Westerwelle also called for all sides to take all steps necessary to put a ceasefire into place. 
 

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