Quotes from Reuven Rivlin

It pains me to see the gap that exists in the public's consciousness - religious and secular - between the notion of Israel as a Jewish state and as a democratic state.

The Palestinians must understand that this is our home, to which we have returned, and we also have to understand that this is the homeland of all those born to it.

It's preferable for the Palestinians to become citizens of the state than for us to divide the country.

It's not for the president to determine the arrangements between Israel and the Palestinians, and the Arab world, but to be the bridge between opinions and to facilitate dialogue and understanding.

There are many Palestinians, to be diplomatic, who believe there is no way to recognize Israel as a Jewish state, first of all, and there are a lot of people that believe there is no way to recognize Israel at all.

The relationship between the Jews and Arabs is necessary to help build a bridge between Israelis and Palestinians.

One could establish a system in one state in which Judea and Samaria are jointly held. The Jews would vote for a Jewish parliament and the Palestinians for an Arab parliament, and we would create a system in which life is shared.

I was born to a Likud which had light; there were no shadows.

The ability of the president to be perceived as someone with whom all Israelis can identify depends on his ability to avoid being a party to debate.

There will never be peace unless we have open borders. But that does not mean open on our side and you continue to hit me on the other.

Every opinion must be suffered. One must listen to what may be rousing, annoying, even shocking, but it must be done honestly, fairly and with equanimity, respecting the rights of every Member of the Knesset and each faction, guarding the minority in the face of the predatory majority.

Disagreements will always occur between us, but we all approach them wanting the best for each and every one of us, for the whole people.

Direct talks is the only possible way to build trust and to resolve the conditions for a peace perspective between Palestinians and Israelis.

We cannot keep the Jewish state without being a democratic state.

I am not someone who will cancel plans because of personal danger, because I'm really not afraid.

Israel's foreign policy has three points: the relationship with the U.S., the relationship with the U.S., and the relationship with the U.S.

I hereby swear, in my name and that of all our descendants, that we will never act against the principle of equal rights, and we will never try and force someone from our land.

I see myself as a former politician, and in that capacity, I say to other politicians, 'Hold back.'

Many of Israel's Arabs, which see themselves as part of the Palestinian population, feel the pain of their brothers across the green line - a pain they feel the state of Israel is responsible for.

I don't see any possibility of peace if there won't be open borders between us and our neighbors.

I pray that we learn to live together. That Jerusalem is one, with law and order.

Whereas, in the personal realm, Sharon is a very sensitive person whose eyes often grow moist, in the national realm, he is entirely without emotions.

I won't allow any party to evade the question of which leader they support for prime minister.

The reality is that we only have one person whom the public sees as appropriate to be prime minister, and that's a shame. I think that if there were more, it would be better for everyone, including Netanyahu.