In additional statements he made, Lieberman said that a peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians is "currently not realistic" and will only be achieved "within a few decades." Instead, Lieberman said the only alternative is a long-range intermediate settlement which will be based on the exchange of territory and populations.
Lieberman defended his position following the critique, saying his remarks represented the opinions of the "majority of Israel's citizens."
"The truth isn't always pleasant, but must be said," Lieberman told daily newspaper Yediot Aharonot in a telephone interview on Tuesday.