MK Shuli Mualem (Jewish Home) played down fears on Tuesday, following Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman’s comments Monday night in favor of the establishment of a Palestinian state.

“At this point I still do not see a reason to be concerned by these kinds of declarations regarding a peace [treaty] or others by the incoming Defense Minister,” said Mualem. “Even when [Tzipi] Livni was in the government, and despite her genuine desire to reach a final status agreement negotiations fell through because the Palestinians themselves didn’t want it.”

In Liberman’s case, Mualem sees the statements regarding a two-state solution as empty promises to appease foreign leaders.

“In this case [Liberman] wants to appease the international community with meaningless declarations during the government’s transition.”

But, Mualem emphasized, right-wing MKs must remain vigilant and ensure that Liberman’s declarations remain idle talk.

“We’ll be keeping an eye on him to make sure that no such process [towards Palestinian statehood] gains traction.”