MK Moti Yogev (Bayit Yehudi) responded Thursday night to President Shimon Peres’ declaration that most Israeli citizens support the establishment of an Arab state in Judea, Samaria (Shomron) and Gaza.

Peres made his statement as part of a speech praising the United States in honor of U.S. Independence Day.

“Congratulations to America on its Independence Day! We do indeed share democratic values with the United States, as well as strategic agreements that are extremely meaningful to Israel’s security,” Yogev began.

Yogev then attacked Peres’ support for a “two-state solution” as “unrealistic.”

“Only Israeli control – political, economic, humanitarian and defensive – in Judea and Samaria will bring security, stability and peace to the region, even with the need to deal with the 1.8 million Arabs in that area,” he argued.

Peres’ declarations are hurting the nation, he argued. “Our dear president’s continuing interference in politics and in Israeli policy due to his desire to split the land, means a serious split in the nation. It would be better if the president would focus on the values that unite the nation, not those that divide it,” he said.

“Honorable President, we wish you health – both in your body, and in your opinions,” he concluded.