Peres warns of major demographic shifts in Israel

Israeli President Shimon Peres warned of the demographic shifts as a result of further Israeli settlements in the West Bank, sparking anger, according to representatives of the settlers, the Israeli military radio reported.                 

"Israeli settlements in densely populated Arab areas could bring about a demographic change about which we would do well to think hard about before acting," he said in remarks broadcast on both army radio and Israel public radio.             

"Without a Jewish majority, it is doubtful whether a Jewish state can remain Jewish," he warned during a ceremony held on Tuesday evening.                   

His remarks were referring to demographic shifts of a possible annexation of the West Bank, an issue which came up earlier this week with the publication of a report which found that Jews "have the legal right" to settle in the West Bank.             

According to projections, Israel is rapidly losing the "demographic battle" against the Palestinians who are set to outnumber Jews in the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean within a matter of years.                

He said the Israeli president at a ceremony in Jerusalem: "We suspect that the remains of the Jewish state Jewish without a Jewish majority."                

For his part, refused to Danny Dayan, Chairman of the Board charges of settlements, Israeli President Peres accused of violating the institution of the Presidency again by taking political positions that are controversial.