Abbas urges Obama to impose Mideast peace solution

You know, for us here in Canada it is extremely difficult to get a clear picture of what is really goin' on. The whole world has their projectors on Israel, but it seems like there is a huge effort by our medias to give us a picture of a mean and bad Israel. But if you scratch the surface and give effort to see the big picture, with history and real news, you get a good idea of their situation. When a dog bites you without reason you kick it. And that's how I see the situation. You try to feed it but it is just biting you, you build it a shelter but it just try to rip your throat off but I guess the whole world would rather have an Israel that let itself be thorn to pieces. I don't want to say Palestinians are dogs but they sould stop acting like. They should built instead of destroy, love instead of hate, and help Israel secure the conflicts areas instead of giving weapons. But I know that those are not possibilities. Because the whole idea is to make the whole world hate Israel. So that the next war would be the one that really wipes Israel out and the world would applaude instead of trying to stop that from happening. But God forbid, it is never going to happen. Next year, I will visit Israel and it will still be standing like a fortress. God is with Israel and they are at home finally.

And what is further lost on the same is that their comparison of Israel to 1920-1993 South Africa was never valid--the REAL comparison is that of Bangladesh in dealing with Biharis (who were supposed to be taken to Pakistan after 1972, but on which Pakistan reneged after 1975)--since both countries have had to deal with IRREDENTIST enemy-groups who collaborated with vicious regimes (in case of "Palis" Nazis during WW-2, then with Arab regimes between 1948 and 1973; in case of Biharis, venal Pakistani-military) against them, and (to credit) have not taken the "most obvious" method of annihilating said group.

What is lost on many (majority of whom refuse to even learn) is that Israel's so-called "occupation" of the territories was due to their being lost by Arab states (which could easily have established "Palestinian state" in them, HAD THEY SO DESIRED, in the 19 years between Israel-independence and 1967/06/05) who foisted war on Israel in 1948--and continued it (none of them, until 1977, rescinded "state of war" declared in 1948). The fact that "Palestinians" were NOT deported to Jordan and Egypt (frankly, they should have been due to their irredentism--and those nations having misruled WB and Gaza respectively prior to 1967) from WB and Gaza-strip is an example of tolerance not seen elsewhere (and ESPECIALLY NOT in Muslim-dominated countries)!

Jews are fully entitled to recover the property that was stolen from them in Hebron because of the 1929 & 1936 riots, and that includes a good portion of Silwan, and that was before there was a modern State of Israel Writng so much from so far, knowing so little, that best describes Johnboy, oops,left out the part of perpetual lying

Now the moron is saying Jewish property owners lost their rights because Jordan captured their lands for 19 years.

SDHD: "Can property owners sell their properties to others, including developers?" Not under ISRAELI domestic laws governing the sale of properties, no, they can not. Q: Why not? A: Israeli domestic law does not apply in Israeli-occupied territory. SDHD: "Or is it only Jews who may not do so?" Nobody can sell property in Israeli-occupied territory using Israeli property laws. Only the IDF can legitimize such property sales, and its "property laws" must be published as MILITARY ORDERS. And that's where you run into the Brick Wall of Article 49 i.e. the IDF is prohibited from publishing any military order that would assist an ISRAEL CITIZEN to transfer into the West Bank. That's where you go wrong i.e. the prohibition has nothing to do with them being "Jews", and everything to do with them being "Israeli citizens".

SDHD: "So, they can`t reclaim their properties, sell them and/or develop them, nimrod?" They. Didn't. Reclaim. Their. Properties. The "settlers" who moved into the West Bank after 1967 neither bought nor bartered their new "property" from "Jewish titleholders" whose land title dates from the Mandate era. They "settled" on territory that the Israeli govt had declared to be "state land", and in the early days Israel even went to the farcical length of declaring the land to be a "military post" before settling it i.e. a transparent attempt to handwave away the prohibition in Article 49. You really have no idea what you are talking about, do you?

... and seize territories in those countries. Remember, Israel just got born again and when they got attacked there was basically no established army nor professionnal soldiers. But Israel having domination on them, manage to have peace agreements in exchange of some gained land. That is the end of that one. But wait even though they builded hospitals, health care, schools and security for the populations that lived on the newly acquired land the surrounding countries did not say their last word. Guerillas attacks never cease and undeclared attacks took place without a war declared between 1949 and 1967. When the 6 days war took place. And being threatened by the biggest army of middle-east ruled by egypt-syria-Jordan which was on Israel fontier, messages from the leaders of those countries started to come out. President Nasser quote " Our primary objective is the destruction of Israel, arab people wants to fight". They closed access to Canal of Suez and started plotering...

You know I'm looking at all that. All this emotionally induced morality that says that Israel should renounce on the territory they gained in war. In war in which they were not even the initiators. After World War 2 and the genocide the whole world wondered what they should do with the hundreds of thousands of Jewish refugees. Wanting to get rid of them, they pressured Great Britain to renounce on their claim in Judea and split it between the " Palestines and Jews that were around the world without a home or a house or a family. The territory was splitted and from around the world Jews were sent there in the middle of another wolf pack that wanted their demise. They didn't even had time to unpack the little that they had, that a "war of extermination" was declare on them by Abdul Rahman Hassan Azzam of the Arab League and 7 neighboring arab countries jumped on them for eradication. By the whole world surprise, the Jews managed to protect the little they had. And get on the offensive...

"A) are these the same Jewish folk who were expelled?" Do they HAVE to be? Can property owners sell their properties to others, including developers? Or is it only Jews who may not do so?

"After all, for that phrase to be true then a) the Jews who "returned" post-67 must be those who were dispossessed post-48, because b) only THOSE Jews can claim that they still own legal title to property in the West Bank." So, they can't reclaim their properties, sell them and/or develop them, nimrod?

God is NOT a fascist!

Your opinion is not very realistic, if you disclaim the religious aspect. In its beginnings, Israel was a socialist state:from each one according to his ability to each one according to his need. This has changed, and everything along w/it, including the Berlin wall. Kadima was willinng to give the Arabs, the Arab neighbourhoods, but now, the Palestinians do not want any Jews in East Jerusalem. And this government is not willing to concede on that point, except to conduct negotiations to see what each side can accept. I just do not see Israel giving up on East Jerusalem entirely, and therefore the pragmatist would accept what is on offer. Except that pride enters into it and no-one is willing to give upon their demands.

Well, good for you, Mr. Mokhtar, that you see Iran's growing strength as "disciplining" Israel. I am sure that your government sees it the same way, that is why there is a plan to build nuclear reactors on your border w/the U.A.E.! But I find that what Netanyahu is willing to offer are strong concrete gestures: the release of 1000 prisoners, and this not even to Hamas they would offer for the release of an Israeli soldier. Dismantle the coalition and bring in Kadima? Will that make Bibi relent on construction in Jewish neighbourhoods of Jerusalem? Would Kadima agree to that? Even a soccer game is better. At least people score goals. Here, w/the peace process it's either sterile or a stalemate. But w/war, yes, everyone wants to score.

Don't give in ..

In 1948 what was Palestine was land was legally under control of the British Empire and they decided how to dispose of it. The British made the decision they wanted out because Palestine because it was to much trouble than it was worth so in the end they decided to hand it over to the UN to decide and the UN who then in 1947 worked out the partition plan idea and put it to a vote. With Judea & Samaria the occupying power hasn't decided they want to pack their bags and leave it wants a piece of land and its enemy wants the same piece of land so you can't just hand it over to the UN to decide. If we left it to the UN to decide the future they would probably decide to give the arabs the 49% of Palestine they offered in 1947 rather than the last 22% of mandate Palestine which Israel captured in 1967. The situation today is different the only thing thats remained unchanged is the land we are all willing to fight over.

1) In 1948/49 the jews were expelled from their homes in arab lands. 2) Yes Israel forbids traveling to hostile entities without permission ( settlers live in an area Israeli controls ) If an Israeli wanted to visit Lebanon, Syria or Iran then they would need a permit from the Israeli government. 3) In 1967 war was inevnitable it came down to who is going to fire the first shot. Egypt at that time was the regional superpower and it had coalition partners. If Israel sat back and played the goodguy waited for them to shoot first there might not be an Israel. Its because Israel pre empted that it was able to wipe out the enemy air forces making their ground forces had no air cover and so their ground troops were easy picking. 4) Israel did everything possible to avoid war with Jordan & told King Hussain stay out the war we leave Jordan alone even when IDF troops were at the gate of the Old City they were willing to halt but Hussain had comited his troops to Nasser so he had to join.

When the deceased owner of property doesn't leave an heir that can be located, the property reverts to the State Israel is the state, and the unclaimed property became it's property It's really hard to understand why you continue to pontificate on these matters, while you insist on staying of land you and your ancestors stole from the orginial Aboriginie owners Instead of your usual semantics, how about letting us know when you're packing and leaving, returning the land to those you stole it from??

The economic situation in Israel today is not the same as it was in the 90s. Today Israel has a strong growing economy unlike in the 90s when it was very weak and its not in need of billions in loan guarantees to absorb the Soviet jews. Also with the midterms coming there is no way any senator is going to stand up to AIPAC or any other pro Israel lobby groups. Even Obama can't allow the Security Council to condemn Israel for building in Jerusalem because alot of the jewish Democrat voters who are in favor of 2 states are against Obamas attitudes towards Jerusalem. The last thing Obama should be doing is trying to discredit Bibi or overthrow him because the national mood is right wing and so even if he brings down Bibi chances the left will win the next election is still low and he risks somebody even further to the right replacing Bibi. Obama created this stalemate by telling the arabs all he wanted from them was a list of demands he would get for them & demanded nothing in return.

"I don`t have to read your favored authors` ramblings to know that Jews were ethnically cleansed from the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 1948-49." Warring parties often expel or inter folk who're likely to side with the enemy, especially an enemy that starts a war. Ye olde Hasbara doesn't involve any critical thinking? "You claim it was illegal for them to have reclaimed and developed their properties, after a conflict initiated by Jordan" A) are these the same Jewish folk who were expelled? B) Israel still forbids their traveling to hostile entities. (except if they're illegal settlers) Strange, Israel can't even adhere to it's own laws. C) The preemptor initiates a preemptive war. D) What Sovereign Israeli territory did Jordan attack?

SDHD: "That Jews weren`t cleansed from the West Bank and East Jerusalem by the Jordanians and that the Jews illegally reclaimed their properties 19 years later?" Mull the words: "reclaiming their properties" After all, for that phrase to be true then a) the Jews who "returned" post-67 must be those who were dispossessed post-48, because b) only THOSE Jews can claim that they still own legal title to property in the West Bank. Yet THESE colonists (who number in the 100,000s) are clearly not the same Jews, since the Jewish population of the West Bank pre-48 war was less than 10,000. Because that's the flaw in your argument i.e. legal title to property is a right that is vested in an INDIVIDUAL, and is not a collective right that is vested amongst an ETHNICITY. A property can be owned by "a Jew". Sure, no argument from me. But any ol' Jew can't claim legal title to a property merely because "it used to be owned by a Jew, and I'm a Jew, so it's mine now".

Obama is learning, albeit slowly. Soon he will realize peace is not possible here any time soon. The best you can do is minimize the casualties.

An Olmert-Kadima's creation & part & parcel of that section of Israel . Israel must talk with the young educated palestinians. Those are really matter & Israel must NOT turn its back on them. This might anger the palestinian old guard who guarded only themselves all these many years. The change Israel needs today to drop the useless crippled with illusions the old palestinian leadership ! They never lead they only degenerate.

let me guess what will be Mhmoud Abbas's answer: 'not enough'

For substantially two millennia, the Jewish population of Palestine was less than 10%. A massive wave of Jewish immigration began in the 20th century. By 1931, 17 percent of the population of Palestine were Jews, an increase of six percent since 1922. The European powers deciding the issue of Jewish settlement in Palestine were classic colonialists glad to give land which was not theirs. The local Arabs naturally protested and resisted, ultimately by refusal to recognize Israel when overwhelmed by force and Western diplomacy. It was a simple case of an unacceptable imposed solution on the Arabs. But that situation fundamentally changed with the Arab League Peace Initiative of 2002, aka the "Saudi Plan", offering the Jewish State far more territorial benefit than the United Nations allowed in 1948. This represents a generous settlement, and any Israeli pretensions beyond that, namely beyond the 1967 armistice line, are patently absurd, both legally and morally. Especially morally Is the '67 Green Line making 77 % Israeli, 23% Palestinian, per the Saudi Plan not ?fair? enough for Israelis? The Occupied West Bank is 2,270 square miles. Gaza is 139 square miles. Israel proper is 7,992 square miles. The Palestinian people have arguably more rights to ALL of Palestine than do the Jewish people, who never exceeded 10% (far less than 10%) of the population of Palestine for nearly the entire past two millennia, until about the 1920's.

Just one thing.....get the Security Council members on board and make Obama do it before people are burning the Israeli flag and pro- testing in the streets. This is the other pending reality today...Dutch

NOT just Obama's convictions, but convictions that have been reflected by U.S. foreign policy since Israel occupied the Palestinian territories in 1967.

When the state of Israel was created, it was not done by negotiation between the Palestinians and the Zionists; it was done by the United Nations. Why not let the UN pass a new resolution with final status? The US can help by either voting in the affirmative or abstaining. The UN can send in peacekeepers and Nato troops can be employed for enforcement. It is clear that the two sides cannot come to an agreement, so let the world community decide for them. If it was good enough for '48, it's good enough for now.

"SDHD 69 should consult Henry Siegman" What's he going to say? That Jews weren't cleansed from the West Bank and East Jerusalem by the Jordanians and that the Jews illegally reclaimed their properties 19 years later? Dropping names (without any sort of supporting argument), is a convenient way to demonstrate that you don't have a point. Dropping a name doesn't refute the fact that Jews were kicked out and moved back in. Now, all you have to do is explain how reclaiming your own land is illegal.

I think Israel wants peace, the problem is the extremist settlers, they are so embedded within the Government, they have no respect for the Law,the IDF or the police, and they carry guns! the Gaza withdrawal was a sample of how a West Bank withdrawal would look like. it will evolve into a civil war, Jewish vs. Israeli. the State of Israel has put itself in a messy predicament.

Hector, time doesn't go backwards, most especially after so many wars have been fought over Jerusalem Jerusalem is known as "The City of David", nobody ever called it the "City of Mohammed" Jews always directed their prayers to Jerusalem, Arabs never did, the pray to Mecca & Medina If you really think that Jerusalem is an Arab city, how about telling me where I can find a few real old Arab coins from the Roman era or prior?? Or where I can find some real genuine Arab artifacts from that same era

Israel accepted the UN Partition Plan, and the fact is that the Arabs rejected it, attacking Israel as a sign of their not being willing to go along with the International Community If you're so adamant of returning land, let's start with the U.S., returning land to Mexico & the American Indians, set an example

Obama is not a dictator. Abbas better ask the Arab league to impose peace on the Pals. After refusing the temporary borders state, because of fear of Israeli control, The Arab League should now impose a state on the Pals, far away from Israel and far from Jerusalem. So there is no danger of Israeli control.

It implies that the Americans can find no justification IN LAW for the Israeli position i.e. if America had to act as judge and jury in this case then it would have no choice but to rule in favour of the Palestinian list of claims. Because it is one thing to act as "Israel's lawyer" during an ongoing argument between Israel and the Palestinians. But it is quite another to be asked to be Judge and Jury, because then your advocacy has to be based on the MERITS of the case, rather than be based on need to be seen to be standing alongside your friend.

Danny, very astute observation. The Pals don't want a State. If Israel says Chocolate, they say Vanilla. Jerusalem was NEVER important to them, UNTIL Israel had possession. We need to take it a step further, Danny. I have asked on several posts, with no response. The State could have been created prior to 1967 when their Jordanian brethren were in full control of the land they now wish for a State. WHY did Jordan just not create this entity for them, it was a slam dunk. No problem. Another point, why did Arafat form the PLO three years before 1967 so called *Occupation*. WHAT DID HE WISH TO LIBERATE IN 1964 ??? This reinforces your post, DO They Want A State??? Can we get an answer from an Arab apologist.

It is a waste of time to negotiate with Abbas when Hamas is has more power. Negotiations should be put on hold until someone actually wants them other than obama, who like most presidents before him, want to get credit for a mideast peace. this is not the time for "peace" negotiations which are just a hollow shell. Obama will soon be a lame duck president also.

DI: "Harold - No party can have it all in a peace deal" But Israel's position is this: it has grabbed everything that was originally allocated to the "Arab state", and now it wants to "negotiate" about how much of that occupied territory it gives back, and how much it is allowed to keep for itself. So IF Israel "can't have it all" (i.e. has to give back more than it intended, and gets to keep less than it wants) THEN it really hasn't made any sacrifice at all. After all, the only thing that it is willing to put up for negotiation is the extent of its greed, nothing more. Excuse me for being less than impressed....

Abbas wants the US to impose a solution. What's Obama suppose to do... send in the Marines or the Fifth fleet. I gotta say, The Palestinians are opportunistic in one sense only. They never seem to miss an opportunity to disappoint. Let's get real, there's no way around this conflict... except to negociate. How many times does it need to be said and is it so difficult to understand. Besides, if Abbas doesn't appreciate the way the negotiation are progressing. He can always take a walk... and return to the senseless status quo of today.

Of course the Palestinians want a state, living side by side in peace with Israel. I know the Israel PR machine makes you believe otherwise and I know rabbis across America preach anti-peace garbage which might influence. But the truth is the truth.

Israel is more interested in territory for the rabid settler crowd. Israel prefers a state of tension with threat of war over stable peace. What is the final peace deal Israel is so determined to block: 1967 borders with only minor land swaps of equal size and quality. East Jerusalem serves as the capital of the state of Palestine. Safe passage between Gaza and West Bank (once the Palestinians unify under one government). Refugee problem is solved via a mix of return to Palestine/compensation. It's a no-brainer

And if so, with how many reservations. And later, in Taba, when Israel made a more serious offer, and the sides got tantalizingly close to a deal, who was it that pulled out of the negotiations? Israel.

Yes, we know: they lost it, we gained it, and tough for them! It's a brilliant diplomatic position, one worthy of a playground. The fact is that we (the US) don't give a hoot about Jews, Arabs, Israelis or Palestinians. Very contrary to what you say from your hopelessly Israel-centric point of view, we have a strong strategic interest in a stable Middle East. If we have to impose a solution, we will. And both sides will take it. Trust me, fooling around with both sides is over. You can yell all you want about sovereignty and all that stuff, but you are nothing to anyone but yourselves; you are standing in the way of many nations - not just the US. If you cannot see that, you are not fully appreciating what is going on.

NOT just Obama's convictions, but convictions that have been reflected by U.S. foreign policy since Israel occupied the Palestinian territories in 1967.

With statehood comes responsibility ,are these Palestinians responsible people ,the answer a clear no as 62 years have shown?

Jack, A lot has happened since 1948 in the Middle East. Borders around the world have changed becasue of wars. Look at the country of Georgia, for instance. Moreover, borders have been re-arranged to accomplish peace as was the case with India and Pakistan. It has been done and it can be done. Thus, I agree that Gaza ought to be returned to Egypt and that the West Bank should be divided between Jordan and Israel. Also, the refugees need to be settled and compensated by a coalition of the Arab states, the US, Russia and Israel. Since 20% of the Israeli population is already Arab, I would suggest settling those who need it in Jordan, which has plenty of land and an Arab culture.

impose peace? Can anyone set out the legal reasoning behind this? The US under its present Administration cannot even control Iran? All Obama is good at is making Speaches. The Americans voted for a Speech Maker and that is what they got!

Ivar, instead of name-dropping, why don't you ask your buddy Siegman how long the Jews were cleansed from the Jewish Quarter and the West Bank, and why it was illegal for them to reclaim their properties and develop them. Oh, one other thing, when did the West Bank become known as the West Bank and why?

...war against Israel! And repeated it in 1967! How can Israel believe in "imposed peace", if Arabs didn't want the real peace?

Israel withdrew from Gaza. Whether or not it was a good enough move for you, it should have been seen as a positive by the Gazans. A positive move that should have led to a self control rennaissance of Gaza. Instead Hamas wrestled power away from Abbas and brought their armaments closer to Israel. If that is what israel got from un-occupying Gaza them it will be extremely difficult to coax the government and the people to start un-occupying more territory.

What???? someone is calling on obama for a solution to anything? yeah right lmao

This is theatre. Abbas has now had explained that the US won't impose its own solution. The indirect negotiations have already started. Mitchell is explaining this now.

Obama will try to impose indefensible borders on Israel as his "peace". A few years down in the row, Arabs will overrun Israel. Proof: Hillary did not use the word "defensible" borders for the first time a few days ago.

You are confusing the whole history and mixing things up. If you want to talk about history, then you should talk about who first lived in historic palestine and who built Jerusalem and most of the historic sites in historic Palestine.You should know that all this happened looong time before our patriarch laid a foot on Palestinian soil. So I suggest that you leave history alone beacuse it is not at your side , and incidently the future will not be either if people like you insist on changing historic facts and insist on prolonging injustice.

Ivar, ask Siegman where the "Jewish Quarter" was, how long it was empty of Jews (19 years), and why it was "illegal" for those Jews to reclaim their properties and why it is illegal for them to build on their properties today. Your name-dropping is not impressive. Deal with reality on its own terms.

SDHD: "What if its own citizens were removed from those territories only 19 years earlier?" Those Jews (all 10,000 of them) were all resident in territory that was assigned to the "Arab state" in the Partition Plan i.e. they were *not* resident in the "Jewish state" when that state was declared and, therefore, they could not have been "Israeli citizens" when they were "removed". But, regardless, the answer to your question is this: IF they are "Israelis" who have a legitimate right to "return" to their homes THEN they must wait until Israel ends this occupation BEFORE they can exercise their legal rights to do so. Precisely because Israel is prohibited by Art 49 from championing their legal rights WHILE it is the occupying power.

Obama is doing his best to do Israel and all jews all over the world a great favor. Obama and his administration fear for the desapperance of Israel on the long run if it continues with its childlesh policies.Obama knows that if israel continues with its current policies, Israel will not be the Israel you and others want because of the demographic bomb and that is assuming that the military status quo remain the same with the Israeli military superiority in the whole area. Let alone so many other dynamic factors that may be against the very existance of Israel in the future. So instead of thanking Obama, people like you accuse him of being pro Arab which in reality he is not.

"Read "The Great Middle East Peace Process Scam", by Henry Siegman " I don't have to read your favored authors' ramblings to know that Jews were ethnically cleansed from the West Bank and East Jerusalem in 1948-49. Again, Jews were only absent for 19 years. You claim it was illegal for them to have reclaimed and developed their properties, after a conflict initiated by Jordan, because you drop Siegman's name? Bullcrap.

Why should they have all the fun? The difference is that I still favor a negotiated settlement and just think what I proposed will assure good faith negotiations after because both sides would have an incentive. The green line worked for 20 odd years until Israel launched the 67 war.

If 97% plus land swaps it what you think is best, that should be the temporary borders offer, with the Jerusalem city limits returned to their 1947 boundaries. the 60% plus something maybe in the distant far unnamed future is clearly a non-starter. For temp borders to have any chance, they have to be realistic AND have incentives for BOTH sides to conclude future negotiations. They also have to have temporary voting rights for anybody caught on the other side - Jews and Palestinians alike.

And many Jews will vote for them too.

They want even more, they want equal rights in the borders of whatever Big Israel

I wonder how Abbas would feel about an imposed 'solution' that did not give the Palestinians everything that they demand. Of course, this is impossible to imagine coming from Obama, clearly an enemy of the Jewish state.

Yes the Palestinian leadership do want their State on their own lands most are occupied by Israel. Hope Mr. Obama will do something to solve this 62 years problem.

Your plan is OK to some but the Palestinian want all their land including East Jerusalem. It is very dangerous to keep the settlers were they are and live under Palestinian laws because they are all armed with the most advanced weapons and can make a revolution in Palestine. I suggest all settlers have to go and live in Israel i.e. inside the 1967 borders.

Well said and true. In 1948 I was 17 years old and I know Ben-Gurion never said anything about God's promissed Land to the Jewish people. He just accepted the UN decision and said thank you.

A peace deal will be brokered. It will last three and a half years and then as usual the treacherous Arabs will break the treaty and all hell will break loose. Only the Arabs will not be victorious but will face the wrath of Almighty God who will destroy all of Israel's enemies. If you don't believe me, READ A BIBLE. How much longer do you think this farce will continue before God avenges all the evil perpetrated against His chosen people Israel? Look up Israel your redemption is drawing near.

OF COURSE HE URGES OBAMA...ABBass has NO power... ABBass gives nothing to start with, nothing to negotiate...but ABBass insists Israel must make all gestures and changes for ABBass to even begin to negotiate. and all Israel's goodwill gestures go only in one direction to ABBass and NOTHING EVER IN RETURN, as usual... EXCEPT UNREALISTIC ABBass DEMANDS, ABBass PRE-CONDITIONS, ABBass WILD THREATS, ABBass spewing hate and diatribes, and ABBass accusations... all olde ABBass stuff from an unsupported, unelected, untrusted, virtually disliked, holocaust denier and "former" terrorist. Why can't the PALS come up with someone better than this political hack ABBass who bends to every CRAZY whim of WHOMEVER OR WHATEVER "PAL THUG" THREATENS HIM LAST! LAST I HEARD SOME ONE OF HIS "BROTHERS" WAS GOING TO SLIT HIS THROAT! ISRAEL HAS NEVER HAD A PARTNER FOR PEACE AND IT DOESN"T LOOK LIKELY to ever have one from the arab side. too bad...

Oh Danny boy! Tell us about these land swaps that have happened. I am not aware that the Palestinians have got any extra land since 1967. I know that 500,000 Jews from Israel and the Diaspora have since moved into the best lands of the West Bank. Eight thousand stole the most fertile lands in Gaza. Surely you couldn't call withdrawal from Gaza a "land give-up deal". Gaza was never a part of Israel. Only in twisted logic can one be making a concession by GIVING BACK a possession to the owner.

Abbas refuses negotiations, he wants US to impose "palestian" conditions 100% Otomans used Great Britain and France against mighty Russia, same trick. No more goodwill gestures until "palestinian" propaganda stops disseminating antisemitic hate.

I am sure that Israel would be happy to take 60 per cent of historic Palestine. You must recall that Britain when it was managing the Palestinian Mandate divided it and gave 80 per cent to TransJordan. If that land is included in your definition of "Historic" Palestine, that means Israel is entitled to a portion of Jordan as well as all of the land west of the Jordan River.

The Jews accepted 50% of Mandate Palestine, now by convenient wars they got 78% of the Territory, and they are not satisfied but like to increasing it to 90%. All we want is this miserable 22% rightly ours without any confiscation to build SECURITY ???Walls/ fences, Settlers Private roads,Caravan Sites for unruly Fanatics, etc. etc. Danny you said " WHAT ARE THEY WILLING TO GIVE UP TO HAVE PEACE IN THIS REGION?" We've ALREADY g i v e n a lot, that is 22% of our share of the TERRITORY. What else they want, Blood, We've already lost over 5 0 0 0 Palestinians, what else ?? We want a State where our A I R S P A C E is FREE from Drones, F16, Appaches, where OUR INTERNATIONAL waters are respected,, we want to be able to grow foods on OUR LANDS by OUR BORDERS without being shot at, with the excuse of SECURITY ??

Israel is currently left with less than 25% of "historic Palestine" as described in the original Mandate. The creation of Trans-jordan illegally, outside of the framework of the Mandate took away over 70% of the Jewish homeland that was recognised under international law by the League of Nations and the United States government.

this look a feels like a trap for Netanyahu, He would be smart to send Mitchell packing no deal

I was not arguing about Netanyahu's actions. They are well known to you and me. I was only arguing that Obama, pitom, attacked (rightly) only Netanyahu without once to reprimand the Palestinians too. You do it too. You cannot accept that BOTH SIDES HAVE DONE TERRIBLY WRONG THINGS, ALWAYS, SINCE 1948 AND BEFORE. CONTINUOUSLY! That peace cannot be made with one side being totally wrong and the other clean as a whistle. This is how Abbas began to feel thanks to Obama...Taking cheap advantage of it, and realizing ZERO in the process.

I don't really get the impression the Palestinian leadership wants a state. I get the impression they want to take something from Israel to weaken her even more. There has been many many land swap or land given up type deals over many years and still there is no solution. And the other Arab countries do absolutely nothing to help except blame Israel. What are they willing to give up to have peace in the region. When will they become open and democratic societies? Do the Palestinians really want a state?

Both sides will be dissapointed but that's what compromise is. Settlers in Palestine must be able to stay and will become citizens of Palestine or they can sell their homes (no compensation) and leave. Jews must be able to live in Palestine as outlined by fayad already. Israel and Palestinians are incapable of reaching an agreement. We need you Barack.

The State of Israel consists of the land the UN Partitioned in 1947-48. David Ben-Gurion, representing the Jewish people, openly accepted this deal. Considering what the Jews had prior to this we ca see that this was an extremely generous offer from the International community. Religious claims to land are wholly without merit or credibility, for obvious reasons. It's time for the International community to stand firm and demand a full Israeli withdrawal from the WB, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Failing to comply Israel should be completely isolated and no Nation should conduct any business with them whatsoever until they do.

Give Jerusalem to the Palestinians.

Is this all the leadership the palestinians can come up with? They are not willing to negotiate for themselfes but would rather accept a third-party-solution? Is this some kind of joke or what?

Read "The Great Middle East Peace Process Scam", by Henry Siegman http://www.lrb.co.uk/v29/n16/sieg01_.html Henry Siegman, director of the US Middle East Project in New York, is a visiting research professor at SOAS, University of London. He is a former national director of the American Jewish Congress and of the Synagogue Council of America. US must prepare to take down Israel's Settlements Enterprise

The more that Obama tries to back Israel into a corner, the less chance there is for peace.Israel has given land back, and they get rockets dropped on them. Israel has already negotiated several peace offerings only to be turned down. Obama has made Israel to look like an aparthied state, which is decietful, untrue, and anti semetic.Stand your ground Bibi this to shall pass, as obama fades into history as a weak ineffective president. Another jimmy Carter

yet, in all the kingdom, searched far and wide, obama's many knights and courtiers, could not find a silver platter huge enough for a plate.

Jania: "If Iran gets any stronger, the Saudi king and all the princes will be bowing to the mullahs. Your country won`t be able to breathe without asking Iran`s permission". For your information, it will be better than the present bowing to the USA and Israel.

hopefully the PM *ll abstain from further gestures. Keep on mind Abbas*s poor health and high age! The WB*s political future is unpredictable, bc the Pals have postponed Parliament and presidential elections indefinately, which creates uncertainty of their pol. prospects. The WB*s political "stand-by" situation forces peace negotiations to be held back, bc we have no quarantees on the continuance of the WB*s present situation. Who will take over the WB after Abbas? Will there ever be democratic Parl. elections anymore? It *d be wise of Israel to proceed cautiously with the WB. Temporary borders at this point sound like a good idea. Israel may find herself in a trap-situation, if she proceeds too trustingly and positively with the WB, and gives too much, since we don*t know, who *ll be in charge of the WB in future. Israel*s focus, when dealing with the WB, *ld be on her security and defensable borders. The PA-state MUST be founded around them.

Oh, please. Obama is as much Israel's puppet, as was Bush.

I have just been amazed at Bibi's bumbling in dealing with the Administration. First, no matter what Bibi says, US sentiment is very negative and tends to blame Israel for the Biden situation. Whenever one reads about it here, it usually includes the word "snub." The price of this incident is that it moved East Jerusalem to the focus of public attention here and in the Administration as well. This was hugely costly. The option of trading most of the West Bank for East Jerusalem is quickly fading away. The PA is clearly feeling in a strong position, and has been showing it. The last move by Bibi--these conciliatory moves toward the PA smells of panic and only increases the view here that Bibi is weak and a captive of the religious right. Very bad situation, indeed.

These policies are the result of the Blair/Clinton syndrome which guided US policies during the 1990's with the Clinton Presidency. Blair was rejected for the EU Presidency. Obama's policies may change when he understands the same reality that many "posts" have expressed about the complexity of ME politics. Changing his Secretary of State would be a good start, but failures in politics are seldom acknowledged before elections.

Obama can tell Abbas and his Palestinian Islamist-Jihadists that they already have a large country called Jordan where 75% of the population are Palestinian Islamist-Jihadists. Obama can also tell them to stop usurping the Land of Israel from the Jews.

""The Occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies."" What if its own citizens were removed from those territories only 19 years earlier?

Nothing new here.

Israel will never support peace with justice. It is too entangled with the settler movement which is over-zealous in its demand for free land at a devastating cost to the Palestinians. Justice can only come from outside Israel.

Like Israel does not want to administrate the Palestinians, the US has no interest in administrating the Palestinians. Especially--or one would have the audacity to hope--if that means that Israel has to be battered into a positon of defeat. Abbas has nothing but opportunities, paid for with billions of dollars and ?uros, to stamp his authority on the Palestinians, and prove to the world that the Palestinians can create a viable state

60% of "Historic Palestine" ? Remember that the Palestinians already have 78% of "Historic Palestine", as it includes Jordan. Jordan is the first Palestinian state. There is a second, de facto, state in Gaza. What they are asking for is a third Palestinian state, for a total of more that 80% of "historic Palestine". Remember that Palestinians from West Bank and Gaza are negociating (or rather not negociating) to get these last additional 2.5% from those who got only 19.5%. And that has been going on for 40+ years. Let's hope Mitchell and Obama see the light. Seen like this, doesn't it seem

The only independent force in the region seems to be Hamas.

Israel built the "legal" settlements in the West Bank against the advice of the chief counsel of Israel`s own Foreign Ministry in 1967. No settlements had been built when his counsel was sought. He advised that settlement building would be illegal because it would violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, which Israel had signed. This secret document was brought to light by Israeli historian Gershom Gorenberg after the archives were opened up. Israel is obligated to comply with international law, and the chief counsel`s opinion matches that of almost all international legal opinion on this issue, including that of the International Court of Justice. The Fourth Geneva Convention rules in Israel and Palestine, as in all the world. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Geneva_Convention http://www.pchrgaza.org/Intifada/Settlements.conv.htm "The Occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies."

Let Israel accept 60% of the lands of historic Palestine as "temporary" borders. Of course we will negotiate the final borders at a later date. See how they like it?

If Iran gets any stronger, the Saudi king and all the princes will be bowing to the mullahs. Your country won't be able to breathe without asking Iran's permission.

Abbas is a fussy baby in a highchair waiting for Daddy Obama to feed him Israel on a silver spoon. Open wide. Clearly, the reason Israel doesn?t want an imposed solution is that Israelis are a grown up people who are in charge of their own destiny and want to take responsibility for their own decisions. How can Israel make peace with the Palestinians, whose government is politically immature and refuses to take on any obligations or responsibilities? What authority does Abbas even have to make and keep a peace agreement? Abbas will make sure that any proximity talks or direct talks (if he can get himself to sit down at a table with grownups) will lead nowhere so he can cry for help.

Quite to the contrary, the Arab League's incessant use and abuse of the Palestinians to keep fighting the Jews is the principal reason things are as they are. Israel didn't defeat Palestinian agression or Palestinians in either 48 or 67.No. They beat back Arab armies and, in 1967, two of those armies' nations, Jordan and Egypt, having lost so thorughly,summarilly abandoned the "Palestinians" (they were not called that back then) after occupying the territory since 1948. Ever since the three nos of Khartoum in 1968, the Arabs have done nothing but bleat and reject any compromise. Their 2002 Peace Plan that you so adore and respect, is the return to the status quo before they took their shot at destroying Israel and lost. It seems, Ivar, you believe that only Israel should pay the price for what happened in 1967. Trouble is that Israel, quite rightly, just doesn't see it your way or the Arabs'.

Very true. The Israeli leaders are just playing cat and mouse game and the problem is still there unsolved for 43 years

Abbas canot accept less that Israel have to have the 1967 borders and the right of return of the Palestinian refugies otherwise he will be assassinated and that is what Arafat said and all present and future Palestinian leads will say the same. So Impossing Mideast Peace Solution is a must.

Clinton's plan did not mention East Jerusalem to be capital of the Palestinian State. Moreover Clinton's plan did not mentioned that Israel have to go back to their 1967 borders and that is the reason why Arafat said "THE PERSON WHO ACCEPTS THIS PLAN IS NOT BORN YET" and left the building.

It seems that the Americans are in process of buying the plan. Obviously, that the provisional plan will be disployed in great lenghts of the West Bank. However, the only important thing about this plan is that the ball will jump to the Palestinian courtyard, and they will have to accept or be portrayed as rejectionist. Very intelligent move of Nataniahu.

Bibi says with-a-straight-face that the 'first stage', if ever, does not include the extensive area-C, where the Pals will not have even a semblance of autonomy... their presence will be tolerated there by the settlers who are already entrenched there... (who else would they employ for building their settlenents?!... this temerity shouts to the heavens...)

Without American Pressure on Israel, little will move in the direction of peace. The Obama administration should learn the lesson of the Papa Bush administration and apply some serious pressure on the Netanyahu government. The Likud government at the time, headed by Shamir, was hard line. Secretary of State Jim Baker announced in 1990 that when Israel is interested in peace, she should call the White House telephone number (and publicly gave out the number). In 1991, Israel was facing a flood of Aliya from the former Soviet Union. She asked the US for loan guarantees to absorb the immigrants. Bush refused. When AIPAC tried to get Congress to approve the loan guarantee anyhow, Papa Bush came out and complained publicly about the armies of lobbyists employed. AIPAC realized this would anatagonize the American people and gave up the battle. In addition, Bush started voting for some "unpleasant" Security Council resolutions. Israelis are no dummies, and realized the disaster that Shamir was taking them into. In the 1992 election, they replaced Shamir with Rabin. Obama should do the same with Netanyahu. Get rid of the disaster by discrediting him and his policies in the eyes of Israelis. Example: Allowing the Security Council to condemn Israel for building in Jerusalem will be an unmistakable signal.

"As for two-states Mr. Abbas you had the chance in 1948, and many times after to agree to the creation of two states, but the Islamic world said no. Right now the US is holding Israel back to do what it wants." I can't speak of 48, as they were in the wrong there, but what the **** are you talking about afterwards? Many of those "peace plans" were rape jobs just waiting to happen. NO military, complete and total Israeli control over the infrastructure of the new Palestinian State, more illegal roadblocks, etc. What party in their right minds would accept that? Why would you expect the Pals to accept that?

I like to read the beautiful stories in the Bible because they were written by excellent story writers. If you still say the Palestinian lands were given to you by G-d, show me a document given to you by G-d and not words by story writers.

There is no reason to negotiate peace with Israel anymore. There were doing that for more than twenty years without any results and with new obstacles created by Israel. The United States and the world must I repeat must impose the Midest Peace Solution within less than two years and solve this 62 years old problem once and for all.

Obama not ready to send troops to enforce any agreement that Israel rejects.

You mentioned Israel's top legal advisor counseled his government NOT to settle or annex the Occupied Territories. Could you please provide me with a link to this info? I'm still trying to gain a better understanding of this whole Middle East peace issue so I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

Abbas , give me a break, when has the state of Israel become the 52 state of the USA. When will you get it. This Land is God?s Land and He will decide who gets what not Obama.

Since there is no peace partner on the Palestinian side, all 'solutions' will end in disaster, mostly for the Palestinians. But Abbas could not care less.

also stole from Arabic, which means the "appearance of" with no meaning behind it. The US should be involved in this Israel game of trying to portray the Pals. as the Ney Sayers. Mitchell, go home and leave them your number.

Abbas, without trying to negociate at any time for three years (after his party was thrown out from Gaza), now asks a foreigner to the region to impose a solution... His solution. What if Obama withdrew all aids to Palestinians ? Wouldn't they sit to the table of negociations in five minutes ?

...nor to step into the breach in such complicated situations... The peace talks might have been in full progress by now without Obama playing for the Palestinians against Israel so rudely while they themselves were nonperforming incompetents!

The two side cannot reach an agreement on their own. To believe that they can is believing in fairy tales.

Ever since Barack Obama became President of the USA, and maybe one of its finests, I have wished and prayed that he would impose peace in the Israeli-Palesinian dispute. Arabs and Jews alone can't do it because they cannot face each other on the same eye-level and will probabaly not be able to do it in the future.

You see Mr. Abbas knows that Obama is their man with the Black/Islamic revisionist history background. He visits Moslem leaders but will never put his foot on Israeli soil. The US can not impose a solution Mr. Abbas, because Obama does not reflect the American people on this subject. As for two-states Mr. Abbas you had the chance in 1948, and many times after to agree to the creation of two states, but the Islamic world said no. Right now the US is holding Israel back to do what it wants. When Obama is neutered on this matter and Israel is allowed to do what it decides is national defense, you will regret not taking the plans offered by Israel in good faith. The Arabs lack the ability to compromise on Jerusalem; they want back what they lost and they want Obama to get it for them.

Everybody knows the basic parameters of peace between Israel and Palestinians: borders based on 1949 truce lines with minor and equal land swaps, Jerusalem's Jewish quarters - part of Israel, Palestinian quarters - part of Palestine, the Old City, City of David (Silwan) and Mount of Olives are special unit with special regime, under international supervision, no right of return for the Palestinian refugees to Israel. These are Clinton's parameters, they didn't change since 2000, there's no other sensible plan for the peace between Israel and Palestinians. Such parameters are interest of both Israel and Palestinians, but many in Israel and in Palestine oppose the separation and resolution of the conflict. It's time for the US to impose the peace agreement.

Yeah yeah... One day "Barak offered 90% of the WB + East Jerusalem", another day it's 97%, then "Jerusalem is our eternal capital and will never be divided", then "we offer temporary borders"...this is laughable ! YOU don't know what you're talking about ! Ps by the way Barak's offer is only your imagination....israeli leaders have the wondeful ability to "offer everything" when they're about to lose power !!

Existence of Jews in the world contradicting with set of most violent dogmas on Earth so called Islam. But Jews finally settled on Jewish home land Israel complete fiasco for every single Islamic cleric who teaching kids how to kill with help of religion. If this understood peace process will began Unfortunately there are no other options for peace.

Abbas is a despicable fraud.

They have always wanted an imposed solution. This is why they have never compromised at all. And if the imposed solution includes no return of "refugees"? They will continue terror and claim they have no control over it.

It's quite disappointing to hear that President Abbas not only doesn't have faith in the U.S. administration or the current Israeli leadership, when he himself cannot deliver consensus amongst the Palestinians as to what the ME map should look like. The Quartet has set a goal of an independent Palestinian state in 2011 and therefore, the agreement of temporary borders, all based on U.N. Sec. Council Resolutions 242 and 338, is a step forward. One doesn't have to remind President Abbas that an aggressive imposition sets reactions unnecessarily, which are not warranted at this time by all the parties because the movement towards reconciliation requires a gradual acceptance of the realities on the ground and building trust. Heavy handedness in the Middle East does not work very well with the majority of the populations. We've seen this throughout the decades. It's beneficial to begin proximity talks soon and then full negotiations on all core issues.

Ehud Barak offered Arafat 90% of the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, and it was not only turned down, but the PA went to war over the offer. So WTF are you talking about now?

"that there are limits to every thing" If you really believe in that, when can a sysnagogue or church be built and open for worship in your Kingdom? As of now, Christian's celebrating their holidays must do so behind closed doors and are forbidden to wear an exposed cross in public

Most generous of you to try and give away 10% of something you don't own Greenline/'67 Borders didn't work in the first place, there's no use to reverting

Abbas, obviously, knows what Obama's ideas are so he is putting on the trusting desperado.Once those ideas are presented and he and Hamas don't like them, there always is the option of rejecting them, just like in the past. The option of rejection on part of lsrael does not exist and he knows that.

An Arab state of Palestine should be established on "temporary borders" that are exactly those that were defined in Resolution 181. Abbas can then declare that he is willing to sign away more than half of that "temporary Palestine territory", so long as: 1) What remains is enough for a viable state 2) with territorial continuity 3) and full sovereignty Do *THAT* and you will have the Israelis falling over themselves to clinch a deal, and that deal will see the IDF (and the settlers) withdrawing back behind the Green Line. That is a perfectly sound proposition precisely because that both: a) respects the entitlements of both sides under int'l law and b) recognizes the DIPLOMATIC and MILITARY changes that have been wraught since 1948. And that's fair, because (a) favours the Pals, and (b) favours the zionists.

Bill Clinton tried to impose one at Camp David but Arafat did not accept. I wonder what it is that Abbas wants USA to impose better then the Clinton plan?

...it is, as asking the US to negotiate for them. he doesnt trust bibi. ...but he trusts obama (as we all non-extremists do). very good and wise move. also strategically.

The very principles of Palestinian lives is called "gestures". Palestinians should be free to move and their sons should work and live the same way Israeli youth is living. While these gestures can be positive within a peace negotiation process, its at the same time manifests how occupation is affecting the tiny details in Palestinians lives. And it is because of this realization, that occupation is illegal and by giving the so-called "gestures" doesn't mean that we should applaud the occupation. There are people called Palestinians, living in this land and they the right to live in dignity and freedom; Israelis are no better than anyone in this world. Free Israelis should stand against their governments that imposes control and blockade on millions of people disregarding the very human rights that any people must have. Pals are not going to applaud those who give them back what has been taken from them by force.

The Land of Israel belongs to the Jews since ancient time which they liberated from the Islamist-Jihadist occupiers in 1967.

Modern Israel is in their Ancient Land of Israel. The Land of Israel belongs to the Jews since ancient time. The usurpers are the wolves and tigers of the region. Know History, the Bible and Biblical Archaeology well before spewing your ignorance.

Yariv...Obama and Abbas are asking for a freeze In E Jerusalem. Everything else being offered is a smokesceen by Israel to continue stealing land. It would seem Bibi is the one with the misguide policy as you put it. If Israel would only do what it has already agreed to do, direct peace talks would be occuring as we speak.

not going to happen. they shoot at us bomb our buses.... they say no to all previous deals.... they will say no to this. we offer 97 percent of wb with land swaps. dismantle of 67 settlements. jeruselam is no on the table... non starter.

he gives nothing because he has nothing he can give. His power is invisible because he is mr cellophane. He is laughing stalk to the palestinians

Throwing Abbas a bone while Israel cleanses the Palestinians and usurp their land. Israel says the time is not ripe for a permanent solution now. When will it ever get ripe? Is it when the settler population that swelled from 20,000 to 500,000 reach 2 million? Temporary borders is a delay tactic that is meant to propagate the occupation and put the final nail in the coffin of any hope for a two state solution.

Since when is releasing criminals from jail a Gesture for Peace? Have the Palestinians released Shalit, who they illegally kidnapped and continue to hold, against all International and Human Rights Laws? What Public Gestures have been demanded of the Palestinians and actually carried out and reported in the media? Bibi needs to learn to say NO, to one sided demands that put Civilians at risk.

I wonder how many of them will be Fatah men loyal to Abbas and willing to go up against Hamas.

Look at huge gatherings in Gaza ,laughing and enjoying an "actor " playing Shalit crying "Mama !!".

Dignified state , with equality in mind is the only option . Two states or One state , the sharing has to be just . These delaying tactics may fool a lot of people and Israel can usurp more territory painting the Palestinians "rejectionists" , but we do not want to live in a Safari . We are not animals .

One-way street that Abbas manipulates on Israel is not the right move for Israel. Israel does not even get anything in return including Shallit. It is time Israel stops being manipulated easily by the dark forces. Israel should insist on reciprocal move.

Israel is prepared to meet the Palestinians a long way, it is wise to do what can be done and not to keep butting your head on the impossible. Clearly the Palestinians do'nt even want a beginning of peace nor negotiations.

Whats missing from this article is the goodwill gestures the Palestinians are to offer the Israelis. Oops I forgot none were demanded. So Israel will release 1,000 prisoners which was the initial number agreed to with Hamas for the release of Gilad Schalit. Now Israel without anything in return will simply release these people. And another gesture is the easing of the Gaza blockade? I think Bibi better get some hard proof that this will lead to the release of Gilad. If not then easing the blockade will only make Hamas less willing to negotiate a release or worse increase their demands. Another Obama flop and misguided policies are looming yet again on Israel.

Who will fall for this? It would be like gratefully accepting "tips" instead of a fair wage laid down by law!

No more gestures to abbas. He cannot deliver peace, he is a ineffective leader, has not fullfilled any pof his road map obl;ogations, and refuses to enter talks. If he needs to be propped up, then he can come to the table and ask for those measures himself. America is selling ISrael down the river.

Netanyahu knows perfectly well that these proposals are a non-starter. The only preliminary proposals that can get the preamble to peace talks going must include two essential items. (1) The TOTAL, unequivocal freeze on the construction of settlements that Obama demands; and (2) the release of Marwan Baghouti among the 1000 or more prisoner release that Netanyahu offers, in exchange for Shalit. The second item is essential for the emergence of an effective, united Palestinian partner with which Israel and the world can engage in view of forging a permanent dispensation in the Middle East anchored in peace, security and mutual respect.

It seem that bibi is bowing to the demands of US administration because as Marting Inidk said if Israel can survive without the continuous support of the US then it can make decisions independently. Bibi must understand the real situation and understands that there are limits to every thing and of course there are limits to the US and Jewish Lobby blind assistance to Israel. I am thankful to Mr. Obama logic and to the Iranian growing strength which is discplining Israel.

Some impressive concessions. For Netanyahu a job well done considering the tight rope he's been walking. Well deserved credit has been earned here.

Netanyahu will get more Pal demands, everytime he proposes something to the Pals. The Pals are extremists and deny Israel its country, existence, religeon and History.

buy a house, on a piece of land with temporary property lines. Why should I improve/landscape that piece of land, knowing that the property owner surrounding me can drive his tank across it any time he wants. A simplistic analogy but very close to the truth of the situation.

Al Hayat has run with dozens of stories that haven't turned out to be true. To use them as a source for a story is unreal.

The only way Israel and it's right wing would have any incentive would be if the temporary borders of Palestine were the green line + 10% of pre67 Israeli controlled territory, with settlers paying taxes to Palestine until a final settlement is ratified.

.

The solution to the Middle East crisis has long been known, even since 1967, when Israel's top legal advisor counselled his government to NOT settle or annex the Occupied Territories. Today's global terror crisis (primarily government incited and government perpetrated terror)is the bitter fruit of Israel's refusal of her legal counsel's golden advice. Thank God that the Arab League had the good sense and moral courage to offer Israel and the world the only honourable and practical solution: The 2002 Arab League Peace Plan, aka Saudi Plan. This remains the world's last practical hope to avert global catastrophe.