\n<\/p>\n
Asked how the Israeli leaders responded to Singapore\u2019s stance, Dr Balakrishnan said that they understood Singapore had its own view, which the leaders accepted “in good grace”.<\/p>\n
\u201cI keep making the point that it is possible to have a relationship based on trust, and that does not mean that we have to agree on everything,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn fact, when partners are able to express and constructively engage (in their) differences, that’s when you can also look for new opportunities and for progress.\u201d<\/p>\n
The meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Sa’ar were “very candid, very frank exchanges”, he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Because clearly, we have some differences of views with Israel, but at the same time, because of our long-standing relationship, I was able to convey these differences candidly, frankly, robustly, but still constructively.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dr Balakrishnan also noted that while the trauma inflicted by the Oct 7 attacks \u201ccannot be underestimated\u201d, the \u201czeitgeist is significantly different\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Israeli leaders now have a bit more bandwidth to think beyond the urgent and the immediate pressures of the war, to take a longer-term strategic perspective,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd coming from outside the region, and coming even with difference of views, but difference of views based on wishing the best for both Israelis and Palestinians, I think these were very good conversations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Balakrishnan also reflected on his last visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, when the war was still in \u201cfull bloom\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I compare today to March (2024), I am just that significantly more hopeful,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll wars need to end at the end, not on the battlefield, but at the negotiating table.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n