On March 31, Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn-in as Israel’s new Prime Minister. His speech to the Knesset has garnered much attention here but it provides some additional insight into just what his return to power will mean for the peace process and for the standoff over Iran’s nuclear weapons. Netanyahu pledges to be a partner for peace with the Arab states and the Palestinian people. He pledges to proceed toward the goal of an independent Palestinian state that will have “all the authority needed to govern themselves, except those which threaten the existence and security of the State of Israel.” Netanyahu also makes clear, in what might be interpreted as an effort to dampen concerns about Avigdor Lieberman’s role in the government, that his goal will be “complete equality between all the citizens of the State, regardless of religion, race or gender.” On the question of Iran, Netanyahu reiterates his commitment to preventing that country — run by “megalomaniac tyrants” — from getting its hands on a nuclear weapon. Discussing Iran’s nuclear ambitions in the context of the Holocaust, he says “Contrary to the terrible trauma we experienced during the last century when we stood helpless and stateless, today we are not defenseless. We have a state, and we know how to defend it.” Key highlights below, and the full speech after the jump: