A Palestinian peace plan Israelis can live with

Israel, the Palestinians and the Arab countries all need to accept responsibility for this conflict before any steps towards peace can be taken.

The two-states for two peoples solution is the only safe, sane and sensible solution to this decades-old conflict.

The one-state solution wouldn't work, either. There'd be civil war and even more bloodshed between the two peoples.

The Hananiya plan is a brilliant composition of a moderate solution. This is by far the most unbiased, fair, bi-partisan, and viable solution offered in Palestinian-Israeli conflict resolution. Those who argue for more separation, ignorantly believe that separation can last forever. Separation breeds more racism, stereotypes, and hate. Hananiya acknowledges that the two peoples deserve two separate states, but have populations that are entwined and a solution that adjusts to that is necessary. Israeli's must concede that Palestine will and needs to be a state, and Hananiya offers them an incredibly fair solution. Palestinians will also have to make sacrifices to achieve this compromise. Through this plan, the realities of the situation are dealt with pragmatically, not religiously, or emotionally irrational.

So we'd have to start with the Western countries and get people with a plan to live in peace and really build an economic base in a domocratic Palestine. That would be a dream come true. We need Ray to organize this. He loves it!

Your posting is confusing. A final say on what matter? Nothing was mandated in 1948. When Israel declared statehood on 14 May 1948, under UN resolution 181,the Palestinian Mandate expired. UN 181 allowed for the formation of two states, one Jewish and one Arab to be formed in Palestine. There was no mention of Jordan. nor should there have been. Jordan was already a sovereign, independent nation.

I am unsure what motivates you to present false information and exaggerate US aid to the Palestinians at the expense of Israel. By former Palestinian Mandate, I presume you mean all those Palestinians living in the occupied territories. Currently the US gives $225 million to Palestine for economic aid. No military aid. US gives $61.5 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza thru USAID, UNRWA and the International Red Cross. If you include Jordan in the mandate, which would be erroneous, the US provides $.48 million to Jordan. US direct aid to Israel is $3 billion a year. That does not include unpaid loans, grants, interest lost on grants, guarantees of Israeli international loans, etc. With everything, since 1949, the US has provided Israel $3 trillion of US tax payer money. Now you see how absurd your statement was. I presume you were simply lying, to make some propaganda point for Israel.

Hananiya's plan may be close to something Israel's disappearing far left can accept. However, mainstream Israel will toss it in the garbage can, where it belongs, like a piece of junk mail.

The government gave you a choice no matter how unfair it was. But as an Iraqi Jew, what happened has nothing to do with the Palestinians. How many refugees were there from Europe and what on earth did that have to do with the Palestinians, yet, they paid the price for crimes committed a continent away, UN resolutions are clear...they specifically point to the inalienable rights of the Palestinians. What you need to do is petition the Iraqi governemnt to return to your country, as well as anyone else who came from other Mid-East countries, many of whom left by choice over the course of many years. Jews should not be collectively grouped together as one entity.

Just to remind you: European countries, Arab countries, the US have sent bastly more money to Arabs living in the former Palestinian Mandate than ever the Jews there received. However, corrupt leaders of your people have misappropriated the funds and Arafat's widow lives in splendor in Paris, one of the world's most expensive cities, on money stolen from the Arabs over whom her husband "ruled"

#122: Iraq forced its Jews to flee to Israel. Palestinians are not the only refugees in this conflict.

You do realize this is essentially Israel Beitanu's platform you routinely criticize as racist and Kahanist

FYI when Palestine was unrealisticaly partitioned, if Israel had not ethnically cleansed the Palestinians from that part, the Palestinians would have outnumbered the Jewish population who mostly came from Europe at that time. Hence, the expulsion of the majority of the Palestinians from their lands and homes. How realistic was it to make a Jewish state smack in the middle of the Middle East? How realistic is it for anyone who meets Israel's racist criteria of who is oonsidered Jewish to have aboslute rights over any Palestinian who came from there and cannot return even though UN resolutons support their right to do so? The only thing that is realistic to some of you people responding here is to make sure that the Palestinian people remain an oppressed people under Israel's foot. As for Ray, I do not agree with his vision at all because he himself denies the JUST rights of the Palestinian people regardless of the fact that he himself is Palestinian.

Sound good BUT, in 50 years or less, comparing the birth rate of the Palestinian family to the birth rate of the Israeli Jewish family, the Palestinians will totally dominate the area.,,,and to whom goeth Israel's technological and military superiority. Ray, your thoughts are well-intentioned, but unrealistic.

Defies gravity. Does not matter how much we would like this to happen (practically), it cannot be done.

Dear Noha, a state, a piece of land, is NOT a baby , a human being. Don't fall into the trap of believing a thing without a soul is the same as a human being. Btw, Ray's program is excellent, it shines with his desire for peace, it is a plan in good faith, this any one can see plainly.

Hananiya for President - perhaps of both states! I agree with you 100%

In addition to mutual recognition of each other's losses from the conflict...and with commitment to a completely different future vision without violence... 1. Palestinians who are Israeli citizens could obtain dual Palestinian-Israeli citizenship, Isreali citizens living in the West Bank could also obtain dual Palestinian-Israeli citizenship. 2. Create an economic union for both countries so they could share the same currency and have free movement across the mutual border without fences or walls - such that citizens of each would have the automatic right to freely visit and work (but not establish permanent residence) in the other country. It would also allow outside tourists to pass border checks just once to visit both countries. It would make many Jerusalem issues less difficult to resolve. This is also a much cheaper solution than a subway between the West Bank and Gaza - but also requires complete cooperation on security arrangements.

. As you say i.e . But let`s just start by dismantling the 2 mosques that are occupying the most sacred place in Jerusalem the capital of the Jewish State. To make everyone happy these 2 mosques can be relocated in Jordan where it will boost Jordan`s economy. Arabs will have to live with the idea that Jerusalem is undivided Absolutely agreed with rest of your proposals Very true and an admirable deduction.. Conclusion your proposals the conflict will not change,or improve.Especially by Ray although in his heart he knows it.WISHING will not make it so. Plus the Pals forget that those towns they name as theirs was during the Ottoman Dynasty.Far removed from the today's called palestinians who are a mish,mash of divers peoples who flocked into the Holy Land during the 1800 when our early pioneers came here,cleared the malaria infested swamps and made the desert bloom.It was then some from the divers countries flocked into our land. Someone still persist in his recounting the names of places as theirs must understand is BOGUS. Turning the clock back to 1945 is not only a foolish endeavour but ridiculous. Let them think about Judea and Samaria?does it sound Arabic or Jewish

People blinded by hate will NEVER see the promise of peace and the future. You can see it in these responses. The hatred that spews from the Israeli population is overwhelming. If anyone wonders how Germans could have hated so much as to follow Hitler, should learn from history. Face the facts, Israelis have so much in their mind refused to accept Palestine and Palestinians and therefore will never accept anything but an Israeli state from the Nile to the Jordan Rivers and from Alexandria to Syria. How can there ever be peace on the Israeli side, if you just read some of these hateful responses. I feel sorry for Israel, to not live under the fear of terror, but under their own self imposed prison of hatred. So sad, when so much could be gained.

in case anyone else is unaware of the most (only?) democratic election held in the Arab world: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestinian_election#2006_Parliamentary_election

Well same logic can be applied to Israeli Jews instead of staying in Middle East move back to USA. This is the only country wuich have more Jewish population than Israel. There are plenty of wealthy jews who can help them in resttlement. Plus they will be safe. Christians will love them till to death.

Ray, you said that "We need this discussion nothing is out of bounds." You also used the term "debate." My experience with you in the past has been that you cannot debate issues without resorting to labeling people fanatics, radicals, terrorists, etc., if they do not conform with your particular viewpoint and what you find "realistic," which is somewhat similar to what Israel finds realistic. If you truly wish to debate issues, then name-calling will not give you any credibility, as well as taking positions that are inconsistent. In other words, as an example, if one takes a stand on racism, then the same position should be applied to all people regardless of who they are or where they are.

It is the same weak kneed plan that has made its way around leftist circles for years in Israel. Once again it makes the onus on Israel to cough up real-estate. what it fails to do is bring the other guilty parties into the peace making process. It must be remembered that the war of '48 had nothing to do with creating a state for the Palestinians. It was but an attempted land grab by both the Jordanians & Egyptians. At the end of the battle the Egyptians occupied Gaza and the Jordanians annexed the West Bank. Both could have given the Pals independence, but they, not Israel, chose not to. If there is to be a just peace in the middle east then both these guilty parties must cough up some land. In the case of Egypt they can cede to the Pals the 25 kilometers of vacant uninhabited land between Rafiah & El Arish, giving their bothers some space. The Jordanians can give the Pals some land east of the Jordan R. connecting to Jericho. All must pay 4 peace.

It sems to myself that this Ray Hanania is a carefully thought out plot by CAIR to confuse the uneducated or ignorant ,don,t fall for it it,s a scam.

What,s your point Zeev as you seem to have become side tracked by nonsense ,so spell it out for us ,please?

The Hashemites in the Palestinian homeland ,how why,when ,what to do next ,questions for our Arab propagandists and liars on this blog,but can they articulate their case ,i doubt it ,to full of hatred and ignorance ?

A final say on the matter is Jordan/Palestine as mandated in 1948 ,no amount of abuse or vitriol from Arab/Muslim quarters can change this .

Great idea Tom but the Arabs/Muslims are too busy kiling each other ,Sunni/Shiite to even notice what,s happening elsewhere.

Exactly Chaver ,as my family had land and businesses in former Jewish populated Europe?

A two state solution as explained by Hananiya is nonsense as which Israeli/Jew would wittingly allow himself/herself to become a Dhimni under Islamic Sharia law?

Throwing your opposition of tall buildings and killing them doesn,t constitute legitimate elections as recent Iranian election fraud coupled with Afghanistan ones testify ,don,t get confused Chris in Munich?

I agree with this brilliant idea except for one thing. This should be done with the existing Palestinian state (Jordan). West Bank, Gaza and Israel proper should be evacuated of Palestinians. Then the plan would be perfect.

False Statement "Remember that Jews were being attacked long before there was an Israel, when they were Palestinian Jews." According to "Occupation 101", Palestinian Arabs and Palestinian Jews are in such a good relationship that quote "They babysit each other's children!" Of course, over the recent conflicts, they are both blinded by sorrows and pain. The conflicts exist because the idea of the formation of the state of Israel was not to coexist with the original Palestinians but to create a majority Jewish community. That leads to destruction of Palestinian settlements and removal of Palestinian community to refugee camps.

I think this man is missing the bigger point. The Palistinians who fight Israel have no desire to live in peace with Israel; they want nothing other then it's destruction. So before you offer your plan it seems you need to round up all of these people and either kill them or lock them away! Anything else is just create two fantasy Nations, were some people who wish to murder jews can freely move about and do so! All your plan will accomplish is giving freedom of movement to Hammas and Hezbollah Jahidist and terrorist. Hardly something I think Israel is going to rush to do! You need to stop making sane suggestions to insane people!

I am an American who has never before written to an Israeli newspaper, and my reason for doing so now is to say "Hurray for Hanania!".

with or honor if that plan includes the recognition and survival of Israel. Israel cannot trust other powers to protect their citizens or to enforce peace and safety, the UN least of all. The U.S. has abandoned as many allies as they have supported. A President who supports Israel as by lip service only, cannot be trusted. If trusted Israel will learn a hard, bitter lesson.

Ray, I'll try to do my part by spreading the word on your website. This conflict has been such a thorn in the side of the world for far too long. My grandfather was Jewish, and my uncle is Palestinian-American. Both are wonderful people who got along fantastically. I think that too many people profit off of this conflict in one way or another, and that also needs to end. Watch your back and stay safe from the extremists, whether they be Jewish or Arab. You can make a difference. Peace.

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What I reminded the responder was on our early pioneers who came to the Holy Land in the 1800 long before there was even a thought of the Balfour Declaration or the Re-birth of Israel. Try and get the gist of it before jumping down my throat YES?

We have too many angry ppl on all sides. A: Rightwing extremists like the Hebron nutjobs B: The hardline Islamists C: Outsiders with nothing but hatred for Israel PS: why did you choose to become a comedian??? you have a serious and realistic approach to things. Israeliguy

"the [Israeli] Jews pulled themselves by their boot straps and worked like Trojans to build a viable country." (Jasmine) Yes, ... after they got rid of the British occupier - which, by the way, was much smarter than to scatter settlements in every corner of the land, for the benefit of British religious fanatics. "They don't even like one another, which is a shame. I mean Arabs killing Arabs ... " (Jasmine) You are right. Let us choose another enemy, more civilized, to occupy. It decidedly seems as if we have picked up the wrong one. PS: Could it be that there was a time when the USA was populated by Palestinians? See under: Civil War, 1861-1865.

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No one forced Pals to fee, that is your false propaganda or you’r misinformed. They left on their own because of the war; refused to accept the 47’UN resolution and now they want the whole land to themselves. Arab refugees properties were put on the market for sale and were bought by local people. One million Jews from Arab lands, most were expelled straight from prison to the airport after being tortured, just because we are Jews. Israel absorbed us and we moved on with our lives. There are 1+ million Arabs living in Israel, Ray, how many Jews are living in Egypt or Jordan? 100 max. Israel did compensate Arabs by letting them stay in Israel and giving them Jobs and houses. Now why can’t 52 Arab countries do the same for their brethrens? Why don’t you open the refugee issue with Jordan, I think it is the king’s responsibility to retake them. But let's just start by dismantling the 2 mosques that are occupying the most sacred place in Jerusalem the capital of the Jewish State. To make everyone happy these 2 mosques can be relocated in Jordan where it will boost Jordan's economy. Arabs will have to live with the idea that Jerusalem is undivided. Your proposal should read: After Arabs recognize Israel as a Jewish state, maybe we can see some light and peace coming. And Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and may other Arabs countries should find it in their hearts to show compassion and offer their apologies for torturing, confiscating their properties and expelling them from Arab lands. Libya compensated victims of a terrorist’s attack on US air plane; the rest of the arab world should compensate Jewish refugees as well for the suffer.

Thank you Mea and everyone. We NEED this discussion and this debate. Nothing is out of bounds. Peace solves all past disputes and it ends the suffering and conflict. Together we can change the world. It's not hard to believe something that we have never tried when everything we have tried has failed. Please Join www.YallaPeace.com

You wrote:i stated if the palestinians were given a viable, contigious state that was started and aided the same way israel was, absolutely. meaning the pouring of tons of aid to palestine as what happened to israel, meaning a palestine that is able to produce the same kinds of benefits to its citizens that israel has, absolutely. But dear fellow,the Jews did not advance solely because some(so you seem to think poured tones of cash) and how they advanced? Not so,instead of whining they pulled themselves by their boot straps and worked like Trojans to build a viable country.Money alone makes not such a country you envision. Only hard work and determination with their advanced brain power has enable them to be where they are now.And you are correct. The Palestinians have not done so unfortunate though it is. They don?t even like one another,which is a shame.I mean Arabs killing Arabs as we saw in Gaza versus the PA. End of lecture wich you know it by heart no doubt.

"Why do the other 60% prefer living as tolerated guests in other countries today?" (John) You surely know some of them, in your environment. I suggest you ask them. Whatever they may answer, I don't think they would tell you that their presence in your country is a indication that they do not want Israel to be a Jewish state.

As you so succintly said: If Ray Hanania were indeed not a product of "Americanization" and also a serious contender for Palestinian leadership, I would be pleasantly surprised. Is there such an individual amongst the ranks of Palestinian politics? Reply no there isn't because after 61+years they have not even accepted that Jews returned to their land. Not a chance in a million sorry to say. :

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…dismantle the 2 mosques that are occupying the most sacred place in Jerusalem the capital of the Jewish State. To make everyone happy these 2 mosques can be relocated in Jordan where it will boost Jordan's economy. Then Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and may other Arabs countries should find it in their hearts to show compassion and offer their apologies for expelling and torturing Jews from Arab lands. And compensate these Jews, some tortured for just their believe, most lost their homes, lands, business and more. Libya compensated victims of a terrorist’s attack on US air plane; the rest of the Arab world should compensate Jewish refugees as well for the suffer.

I know that what's right brings out a lot of anger. I know many have anger and that anger management is essential to any peace plan. I understand we live in a conflict that promotes anger, so I am not angry about the anger at all. I do see many great ideas here and I am taking notes to see how I can incorporate those into my plans. We are expanding the campaign and soon will announce volunteers in Israel and Palestine to help promote this candidacy. It's not just about winning an election. It is about getting the publics, not just the leaders and activists, to start engaging in a discussion upfront and open on how to resolve the conflict. I have new ideas and next week will announce my latest plan which I am finalizing: The Settler-Refugee Exchange Program. If you have ideas let me know. The plan will be offered with details to begin a discussion on how to bridge the differences. Join me. Ray Hanania www.YallaPeace.com

I hope that this is only a part of Ray's comedy act and nothing more. The last person who should be President is one who finds giving up the just rights of the Palestinian people as "realistic" which has always been Mr. Hanania's position. Better stick to comedy Ray.

The extreme views you and most of your fellow Palestinians espouse are the reason there's never going to be a peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. Ideological rejectionism, a refusal to compromise, and a commitment to violence and terror reflect your thinking and that of most Palestinians. You'd be much better off paying attention to Hanania's plan, which might finally bring peace between the two peoples. Don't you realize that fanaticism and rejectionism have gotten you nowhere for 60 years?

I have tried to reply to your points twice, and this is another go. Unless someone at good old liberal Haaretz wants you to have the last word... - this "plan" talks about disarming Hamas before even allowing them to take part. This is after the Palestinian people showed in an internationally supervised democratic election that a large proportion of them supported Hamas. Who should decide who represents them, they themselves or someone in the US of Palestinian extraction? There is no symmetry between disarming settlers and disarming Hamas - it is rather like talking about disarming Palestinians inside Israel and disarming the IDF. Hamas won't accept Israel in any form? There have been contradictory statements, but recognition within the 1967 borders is clearly a serious possibility: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1104397.html Whether I (or you) want peace is irrelevant. Let's just hope there are enough people on both sides who do.

Moreover, Burston's assertion that this plan is one that "Israelis can live with" is totally at odds with the reality of present day Israel, where right-wing extremism and overt racism against Palestinians become more pronounced by the day.

Being a Palestinian American, let me remind you that the largest population of Palestinian Americans are in Chicago, and most of us live on the South Side, hence our affiliation with Chicago's only true baseball team, i.e the White Sox. You act as if that's a bad choice when those minor league Cubbies haven't won the big one in over 102 years.

i stated if the palestinians were given a viable, contigious state that was started and aided the same way israel was, absolutely. meaning the pouring of tons of aid to palestine as what happened to israel, meaning a palestine that is able to produce the same kinds of benefits to its citizens that israel has, absolutely. if palestine is still not able to do so, it's ok. we are palestinian, as are all israeli arabs whether they admit it or not. that's like asking an israeli if they would revoke their nationality and become palestinian. none would so why would i accept myself to be israelis when israel was imposed on me.

""why does israel want to be a Jewish State?" You may as well re-formulate your question this way: Why does the Jewish people wants a homeland of its own? Because, my dear, we are tired of living as tolerated guests, in the best of cases -- in other peoples` countries. That`s why." If that is the case, dear Zeev, why are only 40% of world Jewery living in Israel? Why do the other 60% prefer living as tolerated guests in other countries today?

Dear Sir, As an Arab tribe that was defeated on multiple occasions, don't you feel your people have too many demands? Best, Levi ben Ami

61 years ago your Muslim bretheran refused Israel to be. Now you and they cry foul.

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"Jordan prohibits Jews from living in its territory by law. Israel should expel all its Muslims." (sfg) Yes ! Let us expel all our Muslim citizens ... choose a king to rule over us, and each man have four wives. Great idea. I am all for it. Jordan, a Light upon the Israeli Jews !!!

... and Mr Hananiah's plan is something, and as good a starting point as any for bringing peace to the Holy Land. It's not perfect - it even contains a few absurdities (' ... Israelis should ... show compassion and offer their apologies to Palestinians for the conflict.' Really? Apologise for what, exactly? Defending themselves for the last 61 years?) - but those of good will on both sides should be able to use it as a general framework for achieving what has eluded these two peoples for too many generations. Good luck, Mr Hananiah - you'll need a lot of it. MV

white blue eyed immigrants???thats a generalisation isnt it???Sure some of them obtained those features in diaspora due to rape,interbreeding etc, but what about the Mizrachi Jews who came from Arab/Muslim lands??? BTW: My family lived in Tiberias for hundreds of generations with some additions of Morroccan,Ashkenazi etc so please leave your bigotry out of the equation there was a reason those immigrants who came later came there, and it wasnt for fun either.

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Expell all Israeli Muslims who dont even harm Israel??? What about the Beduin whom serve the IDF by choice(yes they Muslim too) or do you think we should stoop to the level of surrounding hostile nations???

"They live on land that they genocidally ethnically cleansed of their native indiginous indians who were the rightful owners of the land ... " (jon) The scoundrels' perennial argument: Given what bastards have done, centuries ago, when no one even dreamed of an international law nor of a UN Security Council, why are Jews not allowed to do, now, whatever they want?

My family was expelled from Alexandria Egypt in the 1950s because they were Jewish. After being stripped of all their possessions, my grandfather made a long and arduous journey to America where we now live in peace. Everything my family did from that point on was their struggle and their hard work. I would never ask for a cent from the Egyptian government. I would not accept any handouts; accepting the offer would be disgraceful to me.

jews and Palestinians used to live in peace before the existance of israel with its white blue eyed immigrants. take example of India and its hundreds of sects and races who live in peace for thousands of years. Palestinians of today are the children of jews who were converted to Islam and Christianity since the Roman expelled jews from that land.

"The security of Israel depends on the fate of Radical Islam, and that is not a demographic problem!" (A. Zekaria) Total nonsense. You would be the first to admit that our conflict with the Palestinian people began long before the emergence of Radical Islam. "The situation now is different from few years ago" you said. Of course it is. Everything is now different. Quite odd you refrain from saying that - concerning the Khartoum's signatories. It does not change the fact that Israel's security - even its very survival - depends, first of all, on living in peace with ALL its neigbours, not on its ever-expanding settlement adventure in the West Bank, a land outside its sovereignty. Facts have long ago proved that keeping forever under occupation a foreign stateless Muslim population is the very worst way for Israel to fight Radical Islam. When, soon after June #67, we convinced ourselves that the stateless population we had taken control of, would consent to stay forever our silent and obedient subjects, little did we know that, 42 years later, we would be confronted by an Islamist terror group we cannot live with nor defeat, the sole master of the Gaza Strip and of a Palestinian parliament. The Islamists have no interest in seeing an end to the occupation. It only helps them advance their cause.

Regarding the apology to the Palestinians (Item #6), I would only be in favor of this apology if the countries that attacked Israel in 1948 (and therefore caused the dislocation of many Palestinian arabs) apologized to the Palestinians as well. I think Israel as well as Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan should apologize to the Palestinians. Many Israelis will say "you want us to apologize for defending ourselves against annihilation?? what are you, crazy?" and I would say "no, but I think it would be helpful to show remorse about the fact that in defending yourselves, there was an unintended consequence of the dislocation of many people who were caught in the middle of the battle" Other than that I like the plan. If a majority of both sides also like it, maybe it can be implemented.

Jordan prohibits Jews from living in its territory by law. Most Muslim nations have expelled ALL THEIR JEWS. Israel should expel all its Muslims.

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1: Do they want to be part of Israel or 2: Palestine???? The results will speak for themselves,our poster Riyad from Um el Fahm surely did.

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A great proposal, sounds simple but it's not - because in order for it work the majority of people on both sides have to reject the comfort of polarization. This means grappling with contradictions and accepting things that don't sit well together - a lot harder than surrending to the drive for self-affirmation that sits in us all.

Re: Your point no. 15. How would we explain to the world that, from now on, some Israeli citizens will be deprived, just because they are not of the right faith, of their right to vote in the elections to the parliament of their country? And that any Israeli Arab seeking to be elected to the Knesset has first to convert to Judaism? Mr. Burston, you must have been joking.

"Jewish settlers remaining can stay and will become Palestinian citizens and be protected, just like current Palestinian residents of Israel." (Gil) You sound ill-informed: Jewish settlers AND those you call "current Palestinian residents of Israel", both groups are already, today, Israeli citizens. So, what kind of an exchange is that suppose to be?

"maybe 97% is an exaggeration ... " (Israeliguy) It surely is. " ... but a lot of Umm el Fahm [people] are not keen on Israel at all." Then what? They are free to move out of here, to wherever and whenever they desire. A lot of Israelis have already done that, of all faiths. Your point doesn't make your suggestion more realistic. Umm el Fahm - nor any other Israeli Arab town or village - cannot be annexed to another country against the expressed will of a large enough majority of their inhabitants. My guess is that most of those who are "not keen on Israel at all" but are still with us, are patiently waiting for the moment our leaders' stubborn refusal to separate from the WB population - has inevitably led the Jewish state to be a thing of the past. As things stand now, there is little doubt their patience shall be rewarded.

I have a question for those who support the nonsense of a one state solution: What good had been broght to Africa when the european nations forced rival tribes to live alongisde? Forcing two people that arent willing to live alongside with each other will only bring one thing - war - so please, stop whinning about a one state solution, and focus on the two state solution. Israelis and palestinias wont hold each other and live like best friends, but they can agree to live by the side of the other without killing themselfs, and thats the goal of a peace agreement, not turn the ME in another Ruanda.

They both are giving Israel the same advice but for different reasons : Lincoln waring Israel of the increasing population of the Palestinians in relation to israel. Zeev predicting the same & using other impressive sources to prove it. And advising Israel to give back the West Bank etc.. As if the security of Israel depends on the increase of the Palestinian population some times in the future. Both are looking at this conflict as a demographic problem. It might was like that in the past but certainly it is not the same today. As if an increase of few millions Palestinians or decrease of Israel size by few kilometers; will make any difference to the Security of Israel wether now or in the future ! The situation now is different from few years ago. This conflicts is on the top list of Radical Islam; the Global virus of our time. The security of Israel is needed now & depends on the fate of Radical Islam & that is not a 'demographic problem' !

when the entire islamic nation(s) do not even recognize Israel.

nobody plans on moving Israeli Arabs. Unless they themselves want to be moved. however the Beduin,Druse, and some other Arabs in the Galilee region dont plan on going anywhere, neither do we intend for them too.

I'm glad you found this guy. Did you actually read the joke? It was just another low brow dumb joke. The kind I always write. It wasn't about this fellow's plan. I support his plan.

Because 1:They were being persecuted 2:They had no where else to go 3:And Israel sustained and integrated them. Can you say the same for Arab country's regarding Arab refugees???

On Your King Solomon or Suleiman as he is known in Islamic scriptures with regards to a two state solution. Hence you then acknowledge a Jewish presence in the land, Perfect insight :-)

The community,the way of life is gone forever it is noble of you to offer support in regaining what is lost, but the problem is its not just lost it nolonger exists.

maybe 97% is an exaggeration but alot of Um el Fahm are not keen on Israel at all.

To all the naysayers: This plan is simple, straightforward and balanced. The only possible objection can arise if one does not want a simple, straightforward and in particular balanced solution. It's that simple. Really.

You know... the people in this ancient land are a special breed. It's remarkable, just when everything seem all dark and morbid... a little flower of hope blooms. Mr Hanania's plan is not only pragmatic, but it speaks to the cruelty both sides imposed on each other for the past 40 years. Maybe it's a factor of being a Palestinian-American or that he's married to a Jewish woman. Whatever it is... his euphoric proposal is what this biblical place needs. I can only hope... Palestinians and Israelis recognize that fact.

"we all know 97% of Umm al-Fahm residents don't want to live in Israel." (Israeliguy) In your imagination only. "The Arab citizens of Israel, despite their complaints of discrimination and their declarations of identification with the Palestinians, clearly want to remain part of Israel." in "Land (Swap) for Peace?", by Eetta Prince-Gibson, the Jerusalem Post, Nov. 8, 2007. www.sikkuy.org.il/english/docs/JerusalemR-7-11-07.htm "We wish to express our sharp opposition to any initiative taken by the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority with regard to our civil, political and human rights," they wrote. "We wish to make it clear that as citizens of the State of Israel since 1948-1949 [... ] the proposed moving of borders will deprive us of human rights and tear apart the social and economic ties that have been constructed on the basis of a long and difficult struggle." The heads of all of the Arab regional councils and cities, in a letter to PM Ehud Olmert and all of the members of his cabinet. "Asked about the land swap proposal, Elrahman, who was the first signer of the letter to Olmert, and heads the Wadi Ara Forum of Arab and Jewish mayors, responds, 'Why would anyone assume that because I am a Palestinian, I must live in Palestine? After all, no one would say that if I were a Jew, I must live in Israel.' "

Are you saying that because someone took , stole or kick you out from your house in Czechoslavakia or Poland, that will justify you stealing other people houses? If you have problem with these countries I will support you to get back what had been taken away from you or your family.However, my problem is that you took my family house and I want it back....I will demand to get back my land by any mean as you will see till the end of the world.

And the king said, ?Bring me a sword.? So a sword was brought before the king. And the king said, ?Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.? Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, ?Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.? But the other said, ?He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.? Then the king answered and said, ?Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.? And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice.

All harm to them started after 1948 there were 900,000 Jewish living in Cairo before 1948 . What happened to them was sure wrong but it was after 1948 . We were clearly not living in Moses time and we had nothing against Jewish .

but all the other horrible events that came before it. And also alot of Jews are secular and likely to absorb or marry out, thus decrease the population. Neither do Jews want to walk around feeling unsafe for being Jews, or ridiculed for their culture or harrassed by proseletyzers either. So hence its a variety of reasons including the Holocaust, which was indeed the last straw, but dont forget all the other stuff that came before it, the pogroms,blood libels etc, and random acts of anti semitism, not to mention Arab expulsion of Mizrachi/Maghrebi Jews whom now constitute a high percentage of Israels Sabra population :-)

but neither do Hezzbollah, Iran or Al Qaedo either. A very tragic state of affairs indeed.

They will pay the Palestinians taxes,contribute to the economy etc, those few that exist or those willing to remain under PA control. :-p

Dont want to live in Israel its ok, Jenin is around the corner and its okay really Uhm El Fahm will become part of the PA, since you and most uhm el fahm residents made themselves clear. This just means no more Kupat cholim=Israeli medical aid no more insurance(find a palestinian equivelant) no more catching a bus to Haifa or where ever, without crossing the border(legally) at checkpoints manned by both Israeli and Palestinian officials(the latter whom also want a Palestinian state. And lastly no more Israeli citizenship with all the other benefits(Can you live with that???)

As for Palestinian from Washington and Riyad in Uhm al Fahm they clearly overlooked the Dunam for Dunam theory so thus Uhm El Fahm being close to Jenin will obviously be annexed to any future PA state :-) Meanwhile the old city can be shared between the two states!!!

"Israel is only a generation or two away from becoming an Arab nation ... " ... if it doesn't separate, before it is too late, from that foreign and (presently) stateless people it took control of in June '67. "We must have a Palestinian state in our neighborhood, or we will become a Palestinian state." Yehoshafat Harkabi (1921-1994), head of Israeli Military Intelligence (1955-1959), then professor and director of the Institute of International Relations and Middle East Studies, at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. "Harkabi was the only commander of military intelligence to have had a good command of Arabic, in addition to genuinely professional knowledge of Arab civilization and history, and of Islam." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yehoshafat_Harkabi

you heard the man Dunam for Dunam!!! Uhm Al Fahm is very likely to rejoin the PA territories when I last checked it was pretty close to Jenin, meanwhile me and Rami can be neighbours in Israel :-) That being said Etzion bloc remains Israeli, as for the Hebron lunatics erm I dont really know keep them and have fun with eachother but play nice. :-)

Though overall I believe this plan represents the type of vision, leadership, and courage that politicians on both side lack I do find one point objectionable. To suggest Israel should apology without a mutual recognition the pain and grief the long standing opposition to even the existence of a Jewish State, the attacks against civilians in terror attacks, and hardships of Jewish refugees fleeing from Arab countries robs this proposal of its otherwise admirable desire to try to appreciate the concerns of each side. This does not in any way diminish the pain the creation of the the State of Israel caused for many of its arab inhabitants. That is real and should be acknowledged. But to deny a similar anguish and pain caused by the actions of militants who often expressed their desire to push the Jews into the sea negates the very attitude and essence that make this proposal so admirable. That sadly diminishes both the content and the spirit of an otherwise sincere effort.

Now...if only all Palestinians were half-American and were married to jews, we could finally get somewhere!

One of the absolute realities proven time and again in the 20th and now the 21st centuries is the economic relationship between wealth and small families. Large families sap the ability to raise the children above their status in life. In the modern world the rich and middle classes ensure the success of their children by ensuring that few in number they have better preparation and position to succeed. The lower classes remain producing many, and less advantaged children. Israel has chosen (though not willing to admit it was a choice) to ensure the systematic impoverishment of it's Arabs, and those ever more disadvantaged Arabs have large families ensuring that their children become poorer. The number of relatively impoverished Haredi who also have large families are not sufficient to adjust the demographic bomb. Israel favors Jews, which favors smaller Jewish families, which has created a situation where Israel is only a generation or two away from becoming an Arab nation.

"No israel, No Palestine. One State Solution is the best for all." - Tony Silver The 'one state' solution was proposed by the UN in November 1947. It was accepted by NEITHER side, though Palestinian Jews accepted the endorsement of a state 'partitioned' into Jewish and Palestinian areas. Neither side wanted a 'single state' solution then, and the Mandate devolved into civil war which continued until the British pulled out and Israel declared it's independence. A single state solution REMAINS IMPOSSIBLE to this day and will continue to be impossible until the inevitable happens. There has just been too much animosity, murder, mayhem, crime, abuse and brutality between the two sides for there to be any resolution which would allow a single state solution. A divorce is needed as reconciliation is impossible.

But there are already 2 million Palestinians in Israel! Israel therefore can move 2 million Israelis into Gaza and the West Bank? Ray Hanania should respond.

if palestine was allowed to be created and to be full functioning with the same resources used to start up the state of israel, i'd be more than happy to have my village annexed to the state of palestine. no matter what rami, you and i both know in the long run, "we're still aravim, palestinians, etc" and we are not treated the same.

Hananiya is not the first to suggest that, after an adjustment of borders to take account of the largest settlements, others could stay, but under Palestinian sovereignty. Hillel Halkin has said as much in three or four different articles in Commentary. I spelled out the case for such several years ago in an 125 page article, "The Unexplored Option: Jewish Settlements in a Palestinian State." And, a little over a month ago, James Woolsey, former head of the CIA under President Clinton, expressed the same thought in a Wall Street Journal op-ed.

just give me my home back.

I agree with most of the items. Apologies should be mutual. I don?t think for every Jew who would choose to live in Arab Palestine there should be one Arab allowed in Israel. Since Mr Hanania suggests that Jews in Arab state should vote for Israel and Arabs in Israel for the Arab state then it would make more sense Jews in Arab state live as resident aliens and Arabs in Israel similarly as resident Aliens. However basically a good plan.

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The present diaspora Jews live and prosper and make money (look at Madoff) in the West, you are the ones living in a gihtto.

Jerusalem already is a shared city - Israel does not control the top-side of the Temple Mount and has very limited ground control over East Jerusalem - might as well cut the propaganda and acknowledge reality. The idea of Jews staying in Hebron unarmed and protected is pie in the sky thinking. People should vote where they live - whether they also can vote as expatriates is a separate question. A transit link between Gaza and the West bank has been suggested before, but doing it by subway (and venting it), I suspect isn't technologically feasible. We are talking the Chunnel in an overheated earthquake zone. Otherwise, looks great. But will the Palestinians vote for a White Sox fan?

I cannot understand what the Palestinian should apologize for! You stole their land and they defended themselves and fight always against the occupiers, a right fully recognized by the UN and Int'al Law. The Jews should apologize to the Palestinians and the world.

except I cannot understand (point 5) why the USA, Egypt, Jordan Syria, Saudi Arabia and the UN should put up the money. The problem was created by zionist land grabbing. Let them pay. They have been squeezing everybody for money, they are everywhere very rich.

Tony, doesn't Denmark limit immigration so it can maintain its Danish identity? Why should Israel be different than Denmark?

this is not a matter of right or wrong. if you are upset about 1947 do you want to go back to the original partition? the question is do you want to incorporate another 3.5 million arabs into a greater israel? if no then you must make an agreement with your palestinian neighbors that you and they can live with, based on todays reality. you will never convince arabs that left in 1948 that they do not deserve to return to their homes but they may accept recognition of their right and monetary compensation. also you will never convince the fundementalist jews that they do not have a right to the entire biblical israel but they must compromise because you do not want assume another 3.5 million arab citizens.

Finally common sense. And you can just hear the fools from both sides, right and left - one side screaming 'oy vey, security' and the other side just as crippled, screaming "what about the injustice!" Enough. We all know what needs to happen. This guy's message is about co-existence and what's better than that.

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good plan....the only thing i dont like is the idea that jews should apologize for the conflict

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This sounds like something to work with. And work on this must be done ASAP.

This plan could have been put into effect if the "Palestinians" had won the war. They did not. Can any of you imagine the US or Britain apologizing to the Germans for the suffering of the Germans during WW2? The world is indeed turned upside down.

Isn't it ironic that with all the comedians (aka politicians)unable (or unwilling) to come to a solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we now have a real life comedian offering a solution?

The parts of the world where peace reigns supreme are places WITHOUT peace treaties. Canada and America have no peace treaty. They have been at war in the past. Up until recent years, they had the world's longest undefended border. America has no peace treaty with Taiwan, France or any of it's other best allies. Peace is intangible. It doesn't depend on someone signing a piece of paper. We have had generations of peace in Europe and Asia thanks the the resounding Allies' victory in WW II. America offered no concessions. Likewise, Israel's real path to peace with "Palestinians" is resounding victory with no concessions.

There is no reason that the Israeli's should have to apologize to the Palestinians without receiving apologies from them. To go even further I think that Hamas should be the ones apologizing to all the innocent Palestinians that have died in their violent attempt to win back land. All these plans are great in theory but can these radical violent groups really be stopped? I also can't see Israel ever lowering the security and restrictions which they have worked so hard to make work

I too am a 1st gen Palestinian living in the USA. I happen to be from a Christian family from Ramallah to be exact. His views are in line with how most of us Palestinians in the States feel. We live, work, and entertain side-by-side with our Jewish friends on a daily basis. We don't agree on every issue but we do compromise and agree with Hananiya's views. Just like in Palestine, we too are raised to 'hate' Jews, but we make our own judgments as we mature and become educated. The biggest problem we see in achieving peace, are the old horses which run both gov'ts today. You'll find a strong majority of Palestinians living within Palestine will agree with Hananiya's views. Everyone just wants a 'normal' life. Of course both sides have their radicals, but they are far and between and should not be the overwhelming soundhorns coming from both people. Maybe it's time for the moderates to become radical in their own right and qwell the existing radicals together and make good on peace..

"One State Solution is good for all." (Tony Silver) Be patient. It is just a question of time. In one decade, two at most, having failed to separate from the Palestinians, we will be facing a solid Muslim majority on all Eretz-Israel, demanding One State for two Peoples and "One man one vote". The Jewish homeland will then enter history, the Nations telling us, "Sorry guys, but you had your chance." Historians will look back at Zionism and wonder how a seemingly clever people, with so many Nobel Prizes to its credit, that gave the world so many luminaries, and is looking upon itself as a Light upon the Nations, could manage to miserably waste, for sheer territorial greed, an unique opportunity to live at last free in its own homeland, having added a new chapter to Barbara Tuchman's 'March of Folly'. See under, www.stoneschool.com/Reviews/MarchOfFolly.html

....do Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Sharansky, Mr. Abe Foxman, Mr. AIPAC and Hamas and Islamic Jihad see it the same way..???

1. Israel does not want to share Jeruselem 2. Hamas does not want peace 3. Settlers still think they can move all of the Palestineans to Jordan some day. 4. Abbas does not have enough power to compromise and the right wing Israeli government does not really want to see a Palestinean state.

Pathetic. Sovereign "non-Jewish" states don't need permission from the self-styled "Jewish State" to do anything. Especially from the state that dare not show its borders as they would only outline the magnitude of the War Crimes committed during the Occupation and colonial land grab that the world has tolerated all these years. How can you possibly imagine Palestinians could accept such magnanimity from their captors?

nobody Palestinian takes Ray seriously, this doesn't fly

and if you don't understand that then you are living in a bubble.

I thought the Palestinian side didn't have these brilliant and tolerant minds!!!!

"why does israel want to be a Jewish State?" You may as well re-formulate your question this way: Why does the Jewish people wants a homeland of its own? Because, my dear, we are tired of living as tolerated guests, in the best of cases -- in other peoples' countries. That's why.

2. Faked Pals stats, religious Jews. 3. None of this ever happened, will never happen and is against Sharia law.

Except for the apology thing, he's ok in my book. The Arabs should also apologize for all the pain they have inflicted on Israelis and the Jews who once lived in their countries.

We all know the answers for a PEACEFUL Solution to the conflict except fror the Hard headed politicians

While I am not in total agreement, it sounds like a good basis. I just dont believe the Arab world really want peace. They have had decades to show it and have shown the complete opposite. Even Egypt and Jordan Palestine may have peace agreements, but Egypt has violated their agreement and Jordan Palestine maintains racist laws against Jews. Hopeful, yes, possible, yes, probable, not until the Arab world starts teaching their children tolerance and history.

1.Jews will hae equal access to the Temple Mount. 2.Palestinians should similarly apologize for the conflict, as many of them were equally guilty of pogroms and joining in the wars against Israel. 3. Of course the maps will be redrawn once a formal state of Palestine is created. 4. What does it mean in an Arab country for a dhimi to be considered an 'equal citizen'? 5. Will Palestinians offer Jews in the settlements the same security as Arabs in Israel?

It is easy to talk about Jewish settlements remaining on the West Bank and how the good settlers can be Israeli or Palestinian citizens or both. It overlooks the problem of security. Many outlying, ultra-religious settlements have made lifelong enemies by stealing land, burning olive groves and beating up the shepherds. They are safe just now only because the IDF runs 24/7 protection. In an independent Palestine, there is no way that the Pal security forces, with the minimal numbers permitted, can do that routine. The only settlements that can effectively be defended, on the McChrystal formula, are probably those with 5,000+ inhabitants. The remaining 100+ are too small and too remote. And you can't have armed settlers in Palestine, any more than you could have armed Brit residents in the Dordogne. The bottom line is that there will be no more than a dozen settlements remaining. The remainder can usefully provide homes to start housing the ROR refugees and clearing the camps..

You don't and shouldn't care about the plight of Holocaust refugees and how their struggle as it relates to the creation of the state of Israel? Then don't be shocked when others don't care about Nakba refugees. The point is that you should care. A return to 1948 is a myth. It will never happen. When we are long dead and gone Israel will still exist and a Palestinian "right" of return will not. What we need to focus on is today, and what is best for the two peoples. Jews need to give up their desire for a fully-Jewish Jerusalem and need to deal with illegal settlements, and Palestinians need to drop the rhetoric on "right of return." Palestinians should have the right to return to the Palestinian state when it is created, not to their specific pre-nakba homes. Don't forget who invaded whom in 1948.

Israel wants to be a jewish state because the jews wanted a jewish state not just another secualr mixed state like America. Tell me why do Pakistan & Saudi Arabia want to be muslim states. Both have some non muslims living there? Why does Vatican exist? Its a tiny little city state in the heart of Italy so why does it exist, do catholics need Vatican or they have no religion? The jews in Israel want the country to be a jewish state, and as long as thats what they want thats the way it had to be. When the UN voted on Israels creation in 1948 they knew they were voting to create an actual jewish state. Israels national symbols are jewish ones Its public holidays are jewish ones Some of the countries laws are jewish ones. Jews have a right to move to go and live in Israel The language used is hebrew which is a biblical jewish language Even secular jews like this idea and wouldn't want change even if they are not religious. This is what the jewish majority wants their country to be

I think this guy is great....why not? How else will this conflict end. We are all human after all.

does israel want to be a Jewish State? I believe it must be Secular State where Jews,Muslims and Christians can live in peace in any part of this new State.

This will be a repeat of Resolution 181 in 1948. Israelies, despite the fact that they don't get everything they want, will accept it, while the Arab world will reject it and go on another 50-year long self-destructive trip.

Israeli-arabs see their future in israel as part of the jewish state and have no desire to be part of palestine. This is a fact.

He's a real commedian alright. There are 1.4 million Arabs in Israel and 450,000 Jews east of the pruple line; will the Arabs allow another million settlers east beyond their green line to make it 'even'? Not going to happen. Prestidigetation is what his list consistes of. It 'looks' like equality, but where is the possibility of substantial growth in numbers and self-support on their own aboriginal lands for the Jews? Land the Koran says beongs to the Jews. 'One for me and one for you' is fair only if the other is entitled to anything at all, and the Palestinians are not entitled to anything but human rights outside their lands, not civil rights never mind a nation. A nation of what? What values? What history? A real comedian should stick to the stage.

Thank God for "Outsiders" like Hanania. The established governments have shown that they are incapable of creating a just and lasting peace. Hanania's approach is the most hopeful and compassionate way forward I have seen in a long time

A single state is what most arabs want & probably what most governments in the world want but there is just a little problem with this idea. 1) Most Israeli jews will noe accept anything less than a jewish state. A binational one of some kind is not acceptable to them and they would fight against the idea if it started to get seriously talked about abroad. 2) In democratic countries like the US & some European ones the jewish & non jewish supporters of Israel who are for the most part against a binational state unless its what Israeli jews want then they will lobby their governments not to support the idea. In a democracy the will of the voters matter and if the voters are coming out against a single state then the governments cannot support it. No organization like the UN and no country even the US can force Israel to give up its chosen national identity because they think it will bring peace. As long as Israels jews want the country to remain jewish then it will.

I am an American-Israeli Jew and an avid Zionist. I agree with this guy 100%! Palestinian towns and villages within Israel annexed to Palestine in exchange for same amount of land in Jewish settlements annexed to Israel. Jewish settlers remaining can stay and will become Palestinian citizens and be protected, just like current Palestinian residents of Israel. No militias left armed. No "right of return". Compensation for Jewish and Palestinian refugees. Recognition on both sides, complete normalization with all countries and sharing East Jerusalem, with Israeli sovereignty over the Western Wall and Palestinian sovereignty over the Mosque....sounds 100% perfect to me.

he definitely has is 100% right. Why is it coming from a comedian and not from the leaders???? Just shows it's not brain surgery but pure common sense to get this right. Means that current leaders are morons but we knew that already.

It's a nice peace plan, but do you really think that the Israeli settlers would like to become Palestinian citizens? I think that Israel can annex some of the settlements, but if the other settlers want to remain there, they should become Palestinian citizens since they would live in Palestinian land, like there is an Arab minority in Israel who are Israelis and not Palestinians. But it's really a difficult issue with a lot of complexity.

Hi Tony, You said the exact same thing yesterday, I think it was word for word identical. So I was wondering maybe you didn't read my post as I had some questions for you. "Than can I ask, what are your views with regards to countries like Saudi Arabia who restrict immigrants and even just entry visas to ensure that the kingdom remains Muslims, if one group, non muslim decided to take up residence there in such numbers that, if it were a true democracy would challenge the Muslim culture of the kingdom, would you be for their right to live there regardless of Saudi right to have a muslim state? And if so why I will have more question plfollowing your answer to these." You Can also reach me via email: alwayslearning@live.ca Love to hear the thoughts of such an enlightened man like yourself so please don't dissappoint and disappear only to reappear tmrw with the same statement

I am struck by the many comments that the plan is not realistic. Is a 100 more years of continued conflict a pre-ordained reality? Is thousands of more deaths a preordained reality? Is the ongoing waste of resources a preordained reality? Is the lack of vision, leadership, and courage a preordained reality? However imperfect this plan may be in its essense it meets the primary standards that every other attempt at mediation has arrived at...two states for two people within boundaries similar if not exactly to the pre 1967 boundaries and full normalization of relations. Difficult...maybe even, sadly, not likely...but unrealistic...the only thing more insane then that statement is the mindless continuation of this battle because vision, leadership, and courage, is lacking on both sides. And that..is not preordained, just the present reality!

Israel should def. admit responsibility for this conflict. After all, it was Israel that refused the U.N. partition plan, teamed up with 5 Arab nations and then declared war on a bunch of Holocaust survivors. And it was the Palestinians who accepted the plan and wrote a declaration of independence talking about Jews and Arabs co-existing. WAIT A MINUTE! It's actually the other way around? Maybe Israel shouldn't take responsibility after all...

... And that will not end this conflict. What was the biggest issue of 48? The refusal of a two states in British Mandate Palestine. What is the solution to this conflict? TWO STATES, or we can keep the Status Quo if you think this helps the Palestinian cause. What will happen if the Bias UN Resolution ( applies a special status to one persons and one persons alone, contrary to ever other refugee on the planet. Surely we can agree there must be some bias in there, especially when we consider that this right is hereditary, again CONTRARY TO EVER OTHER REFUGEE IN THE WORLD,) was followed up on? We'd have 1 state. So of course Israel isn't going to agree to a deal that destroy it? Last thing to examine: who put this resolution into place? who petitioned the UN for it? Arab States, who kicked Jews out of Arab countries in 48-52? Arab States, so why not Population Exchange? Oh wait of course, because there is an discriminatory Refugee policy that ascribes higher rights to one group

Jews are destined to live in exile till comes the Messiah. Israel is a profane state, founded on outright rejection of faith in God. As such Israel's main problem is to get reconciled with the Hebrew God "Yahweh". Israel's best hope lies in seeking from Palestinians in a peace seal "a safe haven" outside the Holy Land, as a de facto state. Any other solution might never materialise.

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Howdy All, If someone can please advise me on Hebron, The proposed intiative makes mention that Hebron is entirely Palestinian, are there any agreements to this end? Agreements that have been fulfilled by both sides giving Hebron to Palestinians? or is this just the desires of the author who wishes to have Maarat Hamachpelah maintain by Palestinians? Any information on the topic would be greatly appreciated. I am available via email. Alwayslearning@live.ca personally, without something to the effect of the above, I do not see why Hebron would just default to Palestinians, especially if we are going to be splitting Jerusalem on the ground of Cultural Relgious Heritage, which Hebron has plenty of for Jews, Christians and Muslims.

If the Pals are to go that far, it would mean they renounce any claim on Israeli land. That is a little one-sided, as there is a veritable army of right wing Jews claiming Palestine land on the basis on biblical beliefs. So recognition of Israel as a Jewish homeland would need to be met by a quid pro quo from Israel: Israel in return forever renounces any claims to land within the borders of the new state of Palestine. Fair's fair. But expect to hear many Israelis holler. It may help them to understand how others feel about the 'Jewish State' business.

I am visiting a daughter stationed in a southern state for Thanksgiving. The last time I was in the deep South was more than forty years ago to visit a brother stationed in Georgia. Then there was total segregation. I remember looking at a "colored" society page printed once a week in the local paper. I ate in a restaurant that had been turned into an allegedly private club to avoid compliance with the new civil rights act. Now my daughter lives on an integrated street. There is a black pastor at the local Catholic Church. Blacks and Whites mingle freely at restaurants. So, I have some hope that maybe there will be a day when the hatred displayed by the posters to these pages abates and Jews and Palestinians reach an agreement that allows them to live in peace.

This is essentially the 'UN Plan' of 1947 which was rejected by both sides. It is even less workable today than it was then.

bringing up your real estate issues from europe has nothing to do with the palestinian people, nor should we care. what is right is right and what is wrong is wrong. The palestinian right of return is a legal right of all 1948 palestinians and this right is not negotiable. peace happens only when there is justice.

It's all been investigated, negotiated, and agreed upon by Israeli & Palestinian generals, politicians, academics, etc. Done. It gets into intricate details and offers solutions to the most difficult problems. http://www.geneva-accord.org/mainmenu/summary We can continue to reinvent alternatives. But why wait? Read it & tell your party's MKs to go for it. Each day only prolongs all our suffering.

First we need him(barghouti) to fail as pal leader after a failed 3rd intifada... then we can get people who are serious about peace like Ray Hanania in charge of the Pals... then we can finally have the peace we all deserve...

The one proposed here is just one of them. This is simple mathematics of combinations. And this doesn't include the millions of possible extremist's plans (which are not reasonable...).

Pretty good and interesting... but why the one-way apology only? Considering an apology is an admission of past wrongs, asking only the Israelis to do this is very unbalanced and quite unfair. Otherwise, interesting.

This type of two state solution could work.

If Ray Hanania were indeed not a product of "Americanization" and also a serious contender for Palestinian leadership, I would be pleasantly surprised. Is there such an individual amongst the ranks of Palestinian politics?

First reaction: this plan deserves further consideration. I am sure there are many aspects of it that somebody here or there will not agree with, but that it is always the case. The disarmament of Hamas should be considered, but also a curtailing of Israeli military force. It is time for both sides to curtail military expending, there are already enough problems that deserve an injection of money, on both sides.

At least he has proposed something that appears to have balance. As an alternative, perhaps both Israel and the PA could put forth their visions. This has many elements of the 2002 Saudi Plan.

It's interesting that Hanania suggests Israeli Arab communities on the border could be annexed to the new Palestine as a way of swapping land and population. Of course, the Israeli Arabs would have to agree to stay in their homes, but change their citizenship (this isn't cleansing). Hanania suggests that we ask why Israeli Arabs want to stay and vote Israeli when they could have a choice to stay in their homes but join an Arab state? The Jews would like this for the demographic shift, but in truth wouldn't the Israeli Arabs be happier, too?

This guy is making a lot of sense. It will take people on both sides of the conflict to overcome the extremists on both camps to pass such an ingenious plan. This is a true compromise that will be rejected by Yisrael beitenu and Hamas alike. Yetit is the only way this land will find peace and quiet.

Although it may seem implied by most, one shouldn't forget to agree that after the signing of a peace-agreement there would have to be an amnesty for people of both sides involved in the conflict. This seems to be forgotten sometimes and there have to be clarifications, as a general amnesty would free for example some jewish terrorists too, which Israel doesn't want to go free at this moment and a limited amnesty would have to be very precise in its wording.

There is nothing objectionable and little that is original in this plan. Had Arafat in 2000 or Abbas in 2008 made this offer to Barak or Olmet, it would have been accepted on the spot. What we have to come to terms with, is that the Arabs will never sign a peace deal that is final. That will never happen. They will never accept an agreement that reads 'end of conflict' How many times do they have to demonstrate this before we see this obvious fact?

Palestinian Why you are in USA not here? Why you are in exile? If you love your country be here not there. You won't even return from exile even if peace had been made between Israel and Palies. Certainly if you were here like Hanania you would accept what you were rejecting now, like your brothers do. Start to accept what is reasonable, don't you see. Every year delaying the peace it is costing to your brothers to live a decent life when you are living in luxury in the other side of the planet. It is easy for you to ask the imposible, you don't have to loose anything while this conflict is going Israeli and Palies are dying. Aby Aby

It sounds more like a comedy routine than a real solution to the conflict. An opinion baed on american tv and news not the reality of the land that the conflict exists in. Personally i think there is only one solution....One State for both people. One man one vote.

Continued from last post. As I stated before I do'nt know why Hebron is default Palestinian, So, why not instead, Palestininans keep Hebron entirely to themselves and Jews keep Jerusalem. But here is where it makes sense. Jews want to go to Hebron, I have never been and if I went to Israel and was allowed it would be the first place after Tveria (where my family is) that I'd go. I, assume many Palestinians feel the same way about Jerusalem, so by Jews holding something that Palestinians want and vice versa, we create interest in eachother, now we back this interest into a free movement of persons agreement, we slap on a duty for Jews (non Israelis going to Hebron and Arabs, non palestinian going to Jerusalem) for a cash grab. essentially we create a trade between the two states one that is interdependant and by this ensures that visitor from the other state or religion are treated properly as each state is dependant on the other for a tax revenue which would be colossal.

Very interesting points made, very nice to read as the points are rational. I do think that the line, "6. I also think Israelis should find it in their hearts to show compassion and offer their apologies to Palestinians for the conflict." can easily go both ways and should be done by both sides, I think this a blemish on his points as its one of hte only ones that are one sided. But on Hebron, I am confused. What Makes Hebron default to Palestinian and not split up as well? If we are splitting Jerusalem on the lines of Religious and Cultural Heritage than surely Hebron will easily fall into this category, and since Isaac and Jacob are also burried there you'd assume it is greater value to Jews than Muslims. But I am for splitting it if we split Jerusalem or the better option... TBC (under the better option)

The Palestinians will never accept an iota of anything resembling less than the absolute eradication of Israel. They have sacrificed their own state for that. More than once.

that this was part of his stand-up routine? its funny and totally unrealistic!!

1 The idea that the occupied people should be disarmed in their own country is simply perverse, But Chris (i) there's no more occupation with this plan - there are 2 states and (ii) only settlers be disarmed not Hamas? 2 singling out of Hamas ignores the legitimacy of the result of the last Palestinian elections. Well Hamas won't accept Israel in any form. Are you saying we must respect Hamas and their demands and have Israel agree to get out - maybe over a period of years? I guess Chris doesn't want peace.

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People always through out stats that the Arabs are going to take over the majority popultaion in Israel due to Arab birth rate... Over the next 90 years the Arab woman is going to gain her freedom and with that the same rights as North American and European woman, the right to choose when and how many children they want... This will narrow the Arab birth rate to be simular with the Jewish rate...

for their acts of terror and barbarism they committed with whatever as their pretext. that would do a lot to help their acceptance in the world and start removing their horrible reputation they have so rightly earned.

I would jump on such a plan in a heartbeat. But I'm not, so I wont. But some of the more salient points like a subway connecting the West bank and gaza (I love New York!) are really good ideas. I'd make the following ammendment to the plan. A.) Israeli Arabs dont lose their citizenship and the one-one ratio is changed to a one to one ratio of Israeli settlers to Palestinian refugees in the diaspora. 2.) Leave the recognition bit to the end of final status talks and possibly even after that. Asking Palestinians to accept Israel's right to exist as a jewish state would have been like asking native americans to accept america's right to exist as a European christian state 232 years ago - its a stupid, and selfish concept. Mutual recognition has to be earned by both parties. All in all, one thing is certain. Israel needs to accept a plan like this and quick, before the PA dissolves and the Palestinian civil rights movement takes off a la South Africa.

No israel, No Palestine. One State Solution is the best for all. One Man, One Vote, Equality for all inhabitants. Equal Pay for Equal Work, Equal Water Rights. No Apartheid, No Segregation...A Very True Secular Democracy. Let us call it :?State of Holy Land?.

The Jerusalem Post also reported on 10 March 2008 that influential Palestinian figure Marwan Barghouti had told Israeli politician Haim Oron ?that it was possible for Israel and the Palestinians to reach a final-status agreement along the lines of the Geneva Initiative?.[2] So what's so radical? The future president of the PA has accepted it in principle. Just get on with it.

Is this guy for real? If so, how do you send him money? A couple of minor ammendments. 6. Is backwards. 16 Is unworkable.

It's all there - shared administration of the Old City, 1 for 1 land swaps, two state solution, compensation in lieu of return for the refugees, I honestly cannot see the difference. Maybe the explicit offer to allow Jews to remain in Palestine as Palestinian citizens wasn't included in Geneva, but Fayyad has raised that recently, so it's hardly radical stuff. Except he's starting to get confused in point 14 and 15. These imply that the two future states will not have sovereign control of their own immigration policies. ie points 14 nd 15 contradict point 1. So he's not really talking about a 2 state solution but a 3 state confederation as per Belgium.

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Right, and I have the right to return to my family's lands in Poland and Czechoslavakia. Who's going to write a letter to those govts. and the people who currently live in those homes apprising them of my imminent arrival - you or I?

What of israels military presence in the west bank that surround West bank on both sides blocking both access to jerusalem from one side and shuts of its border with jordon and the blacksea on the other? What about the stones,farmland and water in the west bank being stolen by israel and redirected towards these illegal settlements that you want to protect? these are just some of the glaring issues this plan overlooks.

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Sounds like a sensible basis for a egalitarian future, where past grievances ( even fair ones ) can be replaced by a deal where no one is left as a refugee, nationless or homeless. Perhaps when Israelis are sensible to Nakhba ( and many are )and Palestinians are sensible to Yom hatzmaut ( and some silently are ) we can move on ;)

Everybody should just marry each other if they want and the problem is half solved. It's a mental thing. Palestinians have their pride and Israelis have their fears for their existence. You push these two groups between the rocks and then the jingoistic people on both side sets everybody off. But you know that's a good argument why both people in Europe and the Mid-East can't have it both ways. Like it is illegal to deny the Holocaust in Germany for example. I mean just look at the Europeans. They were rather keen at killing each other up through WWII. I think they finished themselves at enormous cost. Can't people just learn how to avoid certain mistakes by learning from the mistakes of others? It's the language. Some language is hate speech. Illegal in some regards in parts of Europe because it could ignite future wars. Ban certain people on both sides. That's not ethnic cleansing. That's just common sense. Some people would get the rest killed and some people would kill anybody.

without the Right of Return, no peae deal can ever be achieved. All Palestinians from 1948 have the full legal right to return to their homes and lands stolen and taken over by israel. Also, Palestine must be allowed to maintain a self defense force, just as israel is allowed to. Without a military nowadays, freedom is never guaranteed. Hanania is not realistic.

Having lived as a student in Israel for two years, I think this is unrealistic. Israelis, with good reason, view Palestinians as people who wish to do them harm. Any resolution to the conflict needs to have as little interaction between these two people as possible. Israelis are never going to trust the Palestinians to protect them as Israelis. Remember that Jews were being attacked long before there was an Israel, when they were Palestinian Jews. Becoming Israeli Jews was a solution to that problem, and Jews are much better off than when there was no Israel. The conflict is in many ways a religious conflict. Like most religious conflicts, it will be solved with more separation, not less.

After all, there are more Arabs in pre-1967 Israel than Jews in Judea and Samaria. To be fair, we will have to deport the excess Arabs. I can live with that.

While there are endless possible futures, this is what we end up seeing (or something very similar). To the skeptics it won't run smoothly and there will be (Middle Eastern) chaos, but one has to but turn around and look back and see how everything is gravitating towards a scenario similar to the one outlined. I know, there are going to be those of you how list reasons why this is wrong and these people will do that and how all the good will won't make it happen because "they" can't be trusted and "they" are like X. Regardless, today, tomorrow, 16 intifadas and 12 wars in the future, this is how things will turn out. Anything else and the numbers simply don't add up. D

Sorry mate, the way you built it up, I thought this was going to be big. Unfortunately it's all pretty much stuff we've heard before. Don't get me wrong. It's fine in its own way, but it's a bit dangerously vague in places. People COULD apply for family re-unification. Well they could, but Israel's basically not going to let many Pals in that way. Also the bit about the possible transfer of Arab areas from Israel to Palestine. You can;t just remove Arab Israelis' citizenship without consulting them, otherwise you're ethnically cleansing them. The biggest problem, of course, though, is that while this is titled 'A Palestinian peace plan Israelis can live with' there's no evidence whatsoever that an Israeli public capable of putting Bibi and his band of right wing extremists into power, would have any interest in a peace plan that gives Pals as much as this does. Sorry.

1-Israel refuse to make peace with the Palestinians 2-Palestinians will become the majority in the next 50 years 3-Arab nation catch up with modern science, force corrupt leaders out in the next 100 years 4=every body lives happy ever after

...There is only one item that I would like to see modified: I think BOTH sides should find it in their hearts to show compassion and offer their apologies to one another, NOT just Israelis ...

united ones" ,Cutie Burston,fold your tent and move to England while Israel is to enjoy the influx of "family members" .

If he's a moderate and there are other Palestinians that share his views then there peace is achievable. But my gut tells me that while leftists, centrists, and even some center/right Israelis can live with his proposal, an overwhelming proportion of Palestinians cannot. I think this plan puts him at the left of Palestinian politics and without support. But what do I know about the other side? I only personally know one Palestinian (who is a very good person.)

Those who like me are ferociously moderate should nominate Ray for a Nobel peace prize immediately. His proposals are familiar and reasoned, and anyone who is rational about a 2 state solution and peace between our peoples should support this.

Demanding that Hamas surrender their arms destroys all credibility for this scheme. The idea that the occupied people should be disarmed in their own country is simply perverse, and his singling out of Hamas ignores the legitimacy of the result of the last Palestinian elections.