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Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu meeting with U.S. envoy George Mitchell in Tel Aviv on Thursday.
 (Alon Ron)
Last update - 20:13 01/03/2009
ANALYSIS / Why isn't Netanyahu backing two-state solution?
By Aluf Benn
Tags: tzipi livni 

Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu is refusing to declare his support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For Kadima chairwoman Tzipi Livni, that is reason enough to go into the opposition or to attempt to impose a rotation arrangement on Netanyahu. This weekend U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated Washington's commitment to a two-state solution, effectively joining the foreign minister in portraying Netanyahu as an obstacle to a negotiated settlement.

There are obvious political reasons for Netanyahu's refusal to demonstrate a more moderate stance: It would cost him his potential coalition with the right-wing National Union and Habayit Hayehudi, and force him into a rotation arrangement with Livni. But his opposition to a Palestinian state is also a matter of principle, one he has held for many years.

Netanyahu says he doesn't want to rule over the Palestinians, and has no interest in Nablus, Tul Karm or Jenin; they should govern their own lives, as long as they don't threaten Israeli security, he says. Netanyahu seeks to deny the Palestinians four rights of any sovereign state: control of its airspace; control of its electromagnetic spectrum; the right to maintain an army and to sign military alliances; and, most importantly, control of the border crossings where arms and terrorists could pass. Netanyahu believes Israel must retain all of these.
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Netanyahu's model is based on the work of Stanford University political science professor Stephen Krasner, who was director of policy planning in the State Department under Condoleezza Rice. Krasner developed a "restricted sovereignty" model for problematic state structures.

Netanyahu also has a tactical reason for objecting to a Palestinian state: He believes that this must come through negotiations, rather than being something conceded by Israel in advance. He considers the Annapolis process that outgoing prime minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Livni conducted with the Palestinian Authority's Mahmoud Abbas and Ahmed Qureia to be a joke. In his opinion, Israel must not offer a near-total withdrawal from the West Bank in advance, which he believes would achieve nothing and only encourage the Palestinians to demand more.

Netanyahu believes Israel must insist on retaining 50 percent of the West Bank - the open areas in the Jordan Valley and the Judean Desert that are vital as a security zone. In light of statements the outgoing government has made to the Palestinians, Netanyahu's position is a joke meant to kill the negotiations before they even begin.

In an interview with Lally Weymouth in yesterday's Washington Post, Netanyahu elegantly avoided the question about two states. Instead of merely saying "No," he presented a vague formulation: "The Palestinians should have the ability to govern their lives but not to threaten ours." Such a statement doesn't explicitly discount the creation of an independent Palestinian state, nor does it address the fine points of control and sovereignty. Netanyahu also undertook to continue the negotiations with the Palestinians, and said Hamas should be toppled by the residents of Gaza [and not by Israel].

Livni demanded Netanyahu explicitly support the establishment of a Palestinian state. The question is what Clinton will make of Netanyahu's opening gambit. Netanyahu's aides believe that as a seasoned politician, Clinton will find a way to work with him, not against him, but it will be interesting to see whether she will also try to effect a compromise between Netanyahu and Livni in a bid toward creating a more moderate Israeli government.

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      1.   The Two State Solution is Dead 02:12  |  Mark Lincoln 01/03/09
      2.   I have a question please? 02:37  |  billy jack 01/03/09
      3.   Many of us have already lost faith in a two-state solution 02:41  |  David G 01/03/09
      4.   #4--not true--there is another option 03:19  |  Paul Freedman 01/03/09
      5.   It doesn`t matter, U.S. will sing Tea for Two... 03:33  |  Smadar 01/03/09
      6.   NEOCON Legal Theorists - G-d Save Us 03:34  |  Mark of Lewiston 01/03/09
      7.   Bibi Shows Wisdom Once Again 03:45  |  Baruch Gold 01/03/09
      8.   A Potential Solution 03:53  |  Baruch Gold 01/03/09
      9.   #2 - Billy Jack 03:56  |  Yitz 01/03/09
      10.   NO NEGOTIATION WITH pals WILL EVER GIVE PEACE 04:28  |  MOSHE 01/03/09
      11.   Two State Solution 05:07  |  David LG 01/03/09
      12.   #1 I think there might be a problem, Mark 05:27  |  Johnboy 01/03/09
      13.   We voted to defend our nation 05:51  |  Steve 01/03/09
      14.   "meant to kill the negotiations before they even begin"Ed. 05:55  |  Akram Zekaria 01/03/09
      15.   Why "two-state" if they can`t even manage an autonomy?? 06:03  |  Jehudah Ben-Israel 01/03/09
      16.   no "two state" solution = "ONE state"... 06:09  |  eric 01/03/09
      17.   The real joke . . . 06:11  |  Donduk 01/03/09
      18.   `fact not spin` is what you write on your post-2 06:19  |  Akram Zekaria 01/03/09
      19.   Assuming that you are right Mr Lincoln .. 06:28  |  Akram Zekaria 01/03/09
      20.   what a load of rubbish #1 06:46  |  bernard ross 01/03/09
      21.   Bibi`s position, is the sound reasoning needed, to move forward 06:48  |  EL 01/03/09
      22.   Bright Politics For Once 07:16  |  Slappy 01/03/09
      23.   The Two State solution was never alive 07:16  |  Stacy 01/03/09
      24.   A two state solution will never be impossible 07:32  |  Natallie Durson 01/03/09
      25.   Netanyahu and 242 07:33  |  Sceptic 01/03/09
      26.   Resolution 242 and refugee problem, a partial answer to #1 07:39  |  Sceptic 01/03/09
      27.   Netanyahu and 242 07:43  |  Sceptic 01/03/09
      28.   Resolution 242 and refugee problem, a partial answer to #1 07:43  |  Sceptic 01/03/09
      29.   Bibi still Bibi 07:52  |  another 01/03/09
      30.   #1 Lincoln - Where in the world? 07:57  |  *BEN JABO 01/03/09
      31.   It`s all very nice 07:58  |  Student 01/03/09
      32.   Analysis/Why Netanyahu isn`t backing a two-state solution 08:07  |  Michael Several 01/03/09
      33.   Netanyahu and 242, 3rd try 08:32  |  Sceptic 01/03/09
      34.   242 and refugees, a partial answer to #1, 3rd try 08:32  |  Sceptic 01/03/09
      35.   Chances of Peace. 08:34  |  Jean Van Daem 01/03/09
      36.   Two state solution is 08:45  |  Zev 01/03/09
      37.   Obamas/Hillary stay away 08:47  |  RavDav 01/03/09
      38.   #16watch what you wish for Nat. The pop moved may be the "Pals" 09:12  |  EL 01/03/09
      39.   The citizens of Israel are against a 2 state solution inside..... 09:19  |  Truth 01/03/09
      40.   the 2 state solution is dead 09:24  |  rm 01/03/09
      41.   Why don`t the Arabs back a 2 state solution? 09:42  |  peter 01/03/09
      42.   Ben Jabo..jabber, jabber, jabber..... 10:12  |  Palestinian Brit 01/03/09
      43.   Zev - a two state solution. 10:15  |  Palestinian Brit 01/03/09
      44.   Can Israel afford a Hamastan next to Ben Gurion airport 10:16  |  Ilan 01/03/09
      45.   Akram Zekaria, you`re delusional 11:02  |  Palestinian Prince 01/03/09
      46.   Bernard Ross, you`re Rubbish 11:05  |  Palestinian Prince 01/03/09
      47.   to Palestinian Brit 11:25  |  yonatan 01/03/09
      48.   Netanyahu`s reasoning is that Palis want to destroy Israel 11:49  |  John Doe 01/03/09
      49.   #5-Johnyboyo...."Houston We Have A Problem" 11:49  |  Ari ben Yisrael 01/03/09
      50.   Sorry guys, but Netanyahu is not the problem here..... 11:53  |  Swiss (Dino) 01/03/09
      51.   restricted sovereignty" model = Apartheid 11:55  |  Andreas 01/03/09
      52.   #17 Nuttily in favour of TRANSFER 12:00  |  Ari ben Yisrael 01/03/09
      53.   #34 GRATEbrittish Palestinian? 12:15  |  Ari ben Yisrael 01/03/09
      54.   # 39 ari 12:42  |  Axel 01/03/09
      55.   To #39 Ari ben 12:47  |  quite curious 01/03/09
      56.   Nethanyahu is not backing the 13:17  |  Chris Linthwaite 01/03/09
      57.   Mark Lincoln #1 Sick! 13:17  |  S 01/03/09
      58.   Netanyahu 13:20  |  rm 01/03/09
      59.   Two state solution 13:28  |  Ben Galim 01/03/09
      60.   to #16 13:29  |  Jan Pospisil 01/03/09
      61.   Because the second state is called Jordan since 1948 13:32  |  David 01/03/09
      62.   billy 13:42  |  john abraham 01/03/09
      63.   To Zev #29 13:51  |  Jan Pospisil 01/03/09
      64.   # 39 13:52  |  curious 01/03/09
      65.   Only solution? One state with 2 parliaments 14:05  |  Lucid 01/03/09
      66.   To # 32 14:06  |  Jan Pospisil 01/03/09
      67.   If not 2-state solution then one state but democratic! 14:06  |  American 01/03/09
      68.   Closing the barn door after the horse has left 14:36  |  Giora Me`ir 01/03/09
      69.   I HAVE A DREAM: One State for all the people of Holy Land. 14:44  |  Odeh 01/03/09
      70.   RavDav #30 - well spoken! 14:50  |  Maureen 01/03/09
      71.   Look at the map 14:59  |  Sidney 01/03/09
      72.   Pospisil from Czechoslovakia?? 15:00  |  Ilan 01/03/09
      73.   The Palestinians 15:01  |  Maureen 01/03/09
      74.   elementary my dear benn 15:17  |  shlock homes 01/03/09
      75.   # 39 ari 15:31  |  Axel 01/03/09
      76.   emancipation 15:31  |  hope 01/03/09
      77.   The intelligent half will work it out 15:33  |  r cunningham 01/03/09
      78.   Why?? 16:06  |  Brod 01/03/09
      79.   answer to question No. 33 16:35  |  miriam 01/03/09
      80.   ilan-what israel can`t afford,wishes aside 16:39  |  avi jorsalafari 01/03/09
      81.   The end of the two state solution... 16:44  |  Rob 01/03/09
      82.   Question Should Be: Why are the Arabs Not Actually Backing 2 .,,, 16:45  |  Baruch Gold 01/03/09
      83.   WHY 16:48  |  JAMAL 01/03/09
      84.   and it shall come to pass 16:52  |  chelemer 01/03/09
      85.   Netanjahu waffling 17:01  |  Sophie Amrain 01/03/09
      86.   #39 17:08  |  Sophie Amrain 01/03/09
      87.   The Jordanian Army is a Palestinian Army and guards from Jordan 17:14  |  r 01/03/09
      88.   #44- bears false witness 17:15  |  peter 01/03/09
      89.   Answer: Because he does NOT want Grads falling on Gush Dan 17:21  |  Tomer 01/03/09
      90.   Netanyahu speaks the truth 17:34  |  American 01/03/09
      91.   Netanyahu is right 17:42  |  Brod 01/03/09
      92.   listen to Noam Chomsky to have an answer 17:46  |  mehmet 01/03/09
      93.   Hamas refuses to recognise Israel so there can be no talks! 17:47  |  martin knopfman 01/03/09
      94.   miriam, enlighten us 18:00  |  Sceptic 01/03/09
      95.   dont listen mehmet #61 18:03  |  Sceptic 01/03/09
      96.   2 state solution ? 18:13  |  Eliezer 01/03/09
      97.   Top Netanyahu Adviser said Demilitarization ia unenforceable 18:40  |  Ha`aretz reader 01/03/09
      98.   #8 A Potential Solution that should be implemented.B.Gold 18:46  |  Kathy 01/03/09
      99.   #13 The only way to go:M.Zion Yes..we voted to defend our nation! 18:50  |  Kathy 01/03/09
      100.   #44Can Israel afford a Hamastan next to Ben Gurion airport 18:54  |  Kathy 01/03/09
      101.   water 18:59  |  Recher 01/03/09
      102.   Solution? 19:01  |  Marc 01/03/09
      103.   # 73 martin 19:03  |  Axel 01/03/09
      104.   #74 Sceptic re:miriam..methinks about her presumption. 19:05  |  Kathy 01/03/09
      105.   #2 You did not want a question..You were sloganeering! 19:14  |  Kathy 01/03/09
      106.   restricted sovereignty model? 19:19  |  jon 01/03/09
      107.   # 8 baruch daydreaming for lack of realistic visions 19:30  |  Axel 01/03/09
      108.   to B Gold and friends 19:31  |  yuval 01/03/09
      109.   Repost: Is The Status Quo Expected to Continue Long-Term? 20:03  |  chet 01/03/09
      110.   Sinking deeper into Apartheid 20:05  |  Mandela 01/03/09
      111.   He`s right, 2-state solution depends on CREDIBLE demilitarization 20:05  |  Dr. L. Brnd 01/03/09
      112.   Response to "1 - confused" continue 20:09  |  Jonathan 01/03/09
      113.   #99 axel misrepresenting as usual.. 20:33  |  Kathy 01/03/09
      114.   #98 Now let us see where jon in nyc has got it wrong.. 20:47  |  Kathy 01/03/09
      115.   A JEWISH STATE 21:20  |  Jonathan Cohen 01/03/09
      116.   A TWO-STATE SOLUTION 21:24  |  Jonathan Cohen 01/03/09
      117.   The peace process needs a dramatically new approach: 242 21:35  |  Jehudah Ben-Israel 01/03/09
      118.   Baruch Gold-8 It looks beautiful on the map but 21:51  |  Akram Zekaria 01/03/09
      119.   Natallie Durson # 24 , two States 22:17  |  Westwell 01/03/09
      120.   One state, two state or no change 22:33  |  viewfromafar 01/03/09
      121.   bernard ross 23:17  |  A.M. 01/03/09
      122.   Freedom to take out their own trash 00:04  |  Don 02/03/09
      123.   the secular will surrender since they`re sparked by expediency 02:02  |  na 02/03/09
      124.   A one state solution for Israel - in Antarctica 03:23  |  Shaheed 02/03/09
      125.   Netanyahu casts Israel`s future into the gutter 03:25  |  honestywithoutmercy 02/03/09
      126.   Durson #24 03:25  |  Alice 02/03/09
      127.   To date no Arab leader has accepted openly Israels right to exist 04:11  |  Jehudah Ben-Israel 02/03/09
      128.   Scumbag Netanyahu 05:10  |  Pyd Pydper 02/03/09
      129.   Bibi is right. Livni is wrong. And Clinton... 05:14  |  Raymond in DC 02/03/09
      130.   If he were smart, he would pretend to - like Livni and Barak 06:58  |  peacelover 02/03/09
      131.   #125 "Racial Apartheid"??? 10:18  |  yonatan 02/03/09
      132.   #1 10:38  |  Gary 02/03/09
      133.   #32 michael several 13:14  |  american 02/03/09
      134.   2ND TRY Palestinian Brat 17:23  |  *BEN JABO 03/03/09
      135.   #32 Michael - U.S. has greater priorities 17:31  |  *BEN JABO 03/03/09
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