Defense officials: Palestinians trying to coerce Israel into accepting statehood

palestinians are not going away

If it was, why did they need a Mandate? Jews lived there as well.Continuously even before the Arab invaders." So did many other people. In fact more other people than Jewish folk. "The wast majoprity of the British mandate Palestine went to the Arabs!" Indeed. There are far more Arabs than Jewish folk.

Fatah does not and will never recognize Israel either, not just Hamas. The hatred among all of them runs too deeply in the Pal psyche from birth to death. The whole idea of a Pal state is laughable and would be funny if it wasn't such a recipe for disaster.

What else should the PA use? Zionist goodwill?

They have been divided for 61 years & never lived in peace, both want to control, both want same land, both want Jerusalem & we know that any city divided or country, never lived in peace. ONE STATE is the only way, coexist & try to live together, why is it so hard ? just because each one wants the power to control.

... greatest blood bath on earth needs his head to be examined ! The palestinians never united on anything with the exception of the intifathas & arm struggle ! What makes any one believe they will unite on living side by side with the Jews ! Abbas is just a one man hungry to to succeed ! What he will do if the palestinians will ignore him an returned to 'arm struggle' ? Isn't he himself promised to go back again to 'arm struggle' ... Facts are better the fictions !

If one thing is clear, Palestinians are welcome nowhere, but even if they where they have every right to be welcome in the land where they were born. What you propose is ethnic cleansing, one of the worst crimes against humanity.

This is remarkably backwards thinking. The Palestinians have had the opportunity to have their own state since 1937. Each time it comes up,they respond with maximalism and violence, wanting not just their own state, but rather for the Jews NOT to have a state and for the Palestinians to replace the Jews in Israel. These crrent diplomatic steps are well in keeping with Arafat's 1974 Phased Plan of accepting any Israeli concessions of land to use as a base to take the rest of Israel. Its seems like the Palestinian approach to the peace talks has become "land but for NO Peace."

before the Arabs took effective controll of it. Palestine was mostly British crown land!Jews lived there as well.Continuously even before the Arab invaders. The wast majoprity of the British mandate Palestine went to the Arabs!

*rejection of official borders *rejection of Peace,negotiations or recognition *keeping the refugees as an open sore at world expense. *rejection of Clintons peace plan. No they were not weak they just thought they could do better or take all with war from day one.Arafat rejected Clinton then turned on his pre arranged intifada & increased the suicide bombers hoping to soften up the Israelis with terror. It failed! So now they need another excuse to step back from negotiations,the left is ever ready to oblige with excuses for them. Where does that stop?

... Palestinians trying to coerce Israel into accepting statehood " No coercion necessary! It looks more like Palestinian Statehood will soon be an acknowledged reality - whether Israel likes it or not. After Israel fumes and fusses and rattles her sabre for a while, perhaps she will come to her senses and acknowledge that she must deal with Palestine on a parity level, and give up her role as an armed grinch who can push people around as she pleases. Now that will be a welcome change! P.S. Good photo! Tell Mr. Diskin to behave!

"Your not the one who is in danger, right?" Israel is my 'homeland'. I have folk living in Israel, even serving in the IDF. "Since the Pals recently elected them..etc etc etc etc propaganda etc ..." Political parties cannot declare statehood. "..my point is Israel needs to define a clear military response that the world signs off on. That way when or if the Pals attack Israel" A) The world signed off on adequate laws for states to protect their Sovereign territory years ago. B) Why would they attack if Israel is out of their face, within Israeli Sovereign boundaries for once in it's history and not illegally acquiring Palestinian territory . "I have a problem with that, don`t you?" You have a problem with your fantasies and admitting the illegality of Israel's behavior for the last 61 years. I don't. If Israel was sincere about peace, it'd stop lying to itself, uphold the Law, make less enemies.

Ok, so they want a state but are they willing to build the institutions necessary? Are they willing or able to create the jobs necessary instead of relying on working in Israel? Are they going to provide their own power, water, tax recolection, governmental services, etc,etc,etc? Are they going to renounce the desire to destroy Israel and take responsibility for their actions? Are Gaza and the West Bank going to be one state?

I'm pretty good. Nice to see your post. I agree, they should, as soon as they can include Gaza. Waiting for Israel to come to it's senses would take another 40 years. Hope things are good for you.

Smart of them, isn't it?

CJ writes; "Hamas might never exist in a Palestinian state" M from G: Great! Then again they might! Since the Pals recently elected them. Hamas terrorizes its own people in Gaza, they don't Recognize Israel, and still want to destroy Israel. They just met with Hezbollah leaders and are funded by Iran. Both on record to "wipe Israel off the Map". But my point is Israel needs to define a clear military response that the world signs off on. That way when or if the Pals attack Israel, Israel can immediately respond without the usual criticism. Now if the Pals are sincere about peace that shouldn't be an issue. But, if they won't agree then either the Pals are unwilling or unable to control its population. I have a problem with that, don't you?

How are you marc? At this point I think the pals should just declare statehood.Regards

"..in 30 yeras Saudis, Iraq, and Iran will deplete their oil fields" He then goes on to describe how the junkies are blackmailed by the methadone clinic. "The power of Moslem state to blackmail the West will evaporate." Then spouts a propaganda mantra.. "Palestinians will have no choice either to accept Jordan as their only sate" The Palestinians are from what was left of Palestine AFTER Jordan became Jordan And ends with complete nonesense. "You Swiss will have to change you ways and allow construction of Minerets for example" For example of what? Bad spelling?

Israel's own unilateral moves--building up the settlements, destroying Arab houses in Jeruselem, refusal to grant permits for Palestinean housing in Areas B and C and East Jeruselem are all ok. But peacefully fighting back--how dare they?

"who has the guts or heart to make war with israel ? certainly not syria after it`s reactor was attacked." Uh? They were making war with Israel before the 'alleged' reactor was destroyed in an un-provoked and illegal attack? What is it you're actually trying to say?

It sounds almost like they are disappointed: "those cruel Palestinians are actually applying DIPLOMATIC pressure to improve their cause! Such cowards!" In fact, what is more interesting then Palestinians doing what all nations do (using diplomatics as a tool for improving their goals) is the fact that the Israeli DEFENSE establishment is commenting on something they know nothing of and they are supposed to be quiet about. The Israeli military intelligence coordinator is supposed to find out if the Syrian army is about to invade the Golan, to know what the Iranians are planning. He is NOT to comment on the diplomatic track. In Israel, the political system is so perverted, that Shin Bet and military intelligence feel free to comment on anything they like. israelis should realize this is a big danger to democracy.

Obama may be Israels enemy but Israel still has enough friends in Congress to make sure that the US will not allow any sanctions through use of the veto. The Europeans weren also all in favour of Obamas plans to create an arab state within 2 years but he has only been in office 1 year. Considering how much the Europeans love Obama I am surprised that its come to this where they are even considering backing the idea of the palestinans going it alone. If the US told the British to be against sanctions they would vote against especially because they have an election coming within the next 6 months 7 nobody likes to rock the boat at election time and Germany would never vote in favour of sanctions. If the palestinians unilaterally declare a state then Bibi will have no choice but to annex the settlements he has a coalition to think about & its a fact that any deal done Israel doesn't accept will almost certainly lead to war its not a threat.

A declaration of statehood is not made by a political party. See the Declaration of a Jewish State, it's a good example. State first, then a Government. In your horse before the cart gun jumping exercise, you've put your shoes on backwards, have your pants inside out. Hamas might never exist in a Palestinian state.

that in 30 yeras Saudis, Iraq, and Iran will deplete their oil fields, especialy with China, Inda and Brazil industrlizes. Theonly siginficant Oil reserve will be in Canada,Alaska and Arctic Canada. The power of Moslem state to blackmail the West will evaporate. Palestinians will have no choice either to accept Jordan as their only sate (They are a majority) or emograte to Europe. You Swiss will have to change you ways and allow construction of Minerets for example.

or heart to make war with israel ? certainly not syria after it's reactor was attacked.

Israel, with the USA as its partner, has tried to establish preconditions for negotiations .... (1) recognition of "conditions on the ground" and (2) affirmation of Israel as a Jewish state. Palestine is simply pursuing its entitlements under the UN resolutions and International Law. Israel has been devisive and emotional failing to justify its positions. It appears Palestine has taken the high moral ground relying on reason and law. The Palestinian position is much closer to our Judaic traditions of truth and justice.

About time. If one child doesn't want to play nice in the sandbox and share the toys, the teacher steps in and makes them share. The Isrealies have had years to reach a solution and the only solution is to take land that isn't theirs and build illegal settlements. Let's get on with it, set the borders, make a sustainable Palestinian state Then Israel can build all the fences it wants, and defend its country all it wants. Take note, the International community has had enough. Move on!

the west created israel without asking the palestinians. and the palestinians are generous enough to accept 67 borders, yet the jews are not? something is ammiss

It would seem Gaza and Hamas have to be included in this deal? They are never mentioned? I'm puzzled? Is this a half deal or what? Hamas will not deal with Israel(they don't recognize Israel's right to exist). So if the W. Bank and East J become a Pal capital, will Hamas honor this agreement? If they don't what is Israels response? This must be worked out first! If the Pals do not honor their agreements and continue terrorism Israel should have clear cut pre-approved plan of action.

If the EU doesn't tone it down,and Obama doesn't stop acting like an Israel hater,and the Republican party doesn't shape up, what is more likley to happen than a Palstatebeing created is Dick Cheney deciding to take the White House in 2012. The head of steam is building in America and for most conservative Americans shafting Israel for the Muslims is tantamont to spitting on the flag. In a year,when most presidential candidates will being making motions towards the run, it is estiamted another 3 million peoplewill lose their jobs and the 7.5 who already have willbe damned broke.It will be political suicide for congressman and for Obama to allow a Pal state w/o negotiating with Israel. It will likely also give the EU something else they will not like: President Cheney. It won't be pretty.

The Palestinians will have to negotiate a state acceptable to Israel....... Whereas the zionist do not?????? I guess there is nothing but war that will make you grow up!

capital should be accepted immediately.

why shouldn't we push it to honor its commitments to negotiate in good faith, which, from our point-of-view, Israel never has and never will?

Palestinians can go and settle in Jordan or saudi arabia. They will be very welcomed there.

the palestinians have never negotiated in good faith. they have never renounced the so-called "right of return." to the contrary, they have forbidden the so-called refugees to leave. hamas is preparing for war, with iran-supplied fajr missiles, while abbas does the diplomatic dance in the european corridors of power. yet israel is supposed to give them a state.

...if he only could as he would. But the influence of the "reactionary forces" (Congress, AIPAC/ADL, Christian Right) in Washington D.C. is still too strong to make it happen today. However, there is a pretty good chance, that this influence will slowly but surely diminish in a rather significant way.... ....and then the door will be opened for a more peaceful and just Middle East.

This article shows very well the Israeli attitude of superiority and arrogance. So now the Palestinians are lambasted to use diplomacy to further their goals? What a joke! The alternative is that they use violence? The calm in the West Bank is 'used' to 'pressure' Israel? Let me remind you that this is the first conditions to be met by the PA in the Road Map, which Israel signed as well. And good for Israel's security as well. So now, improved security is bad for Israel? It look likes Israel is starting to be cought up totally in its own double-speak. The true face must be shown: Or make peace and get out of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, or decide to be an occupier, violating many international laws and become a pariah state. The choice is yours.

Can somebody, anybody say what benefit accrues tio Israel in negotiating with the Palestinians? all it amounts to are agreements to withdraw from territories bought by the blood of Jewish heroes. Israel finds itself in the unenviable role of a trapped and caged animal which is being proded into helpless rage until eventually it succunbs to the helpless and hopeless situation it is in and passively abides the humiliations heaped upon it until it succumbs and is finally released in the feedom of death. It has an alternative, and only one alternative left. Let it not forget it nor ignore it. It is the Samason alternative; take all the tormentors down while it still has the power given it by Gods good grace. that includes the Pals and EU states, the signers of the latest EU policy on Jerusalem nd '67 borders. Not one blighted one of them ever rose to Israel's defense in '67 when Nasser threatened annihilation. Even worse than that they embargoed aid and even US overflights in 1973.

The Palestinians will have to negotiate a state that is not only acceptable to themselves but acceptable to Israel too.I know this concept is very strange to them but that's how things work in the real world. The Palestinians can't have the 1967 borders and flood Israel with refugees. Negotiate something different or you will continue to have the same thing.

The Palestinians of today have learned big lessons from Oslo, when they were tricked and coerced into - absolutely nothing! Abbas knows he has to be firm on the issue of statehood - or not, as the case maybe. Many Palestinians feel it is too late and too many "facts" have appeared on the ground for them to have a viable state anyhow. So why wait for Israel to give it to them - let them declare their own, with more support around the world than Israel would care to admit!Otherwise, movement must go ahead on a one state solution. No more shilly-shallying!

Israel is holding the Pals hostage until it gets the deal it wants. Hostages can't negotiate with their hostage takers, because the power is all on one side in the negotiations and they're never going to be fair. Time for the international community to come in and rescue the Pals from Israel's clutches, as they did with Kosovo and Serbia. It's the only way to a fair and just peace, and if Israel tries to block it forever, eventually the internatinal community will impose sanctions and destroy the Israeli economy.

If Israel has the right to use all possible channels for its benefit so is the right of Palestinians. Why cry now? Why Israel has right for everything and PA has no right.

Bibi 'no peace, never' doesn't want a Palestinian state with independence or sovereignty. Apparently the Palestinians want independence and sovereignty. Either they get a state where they live or they don't. If they don't, Israel has a demographic problem it doesn't want. Too bad. You cannot have your cake after you've eaten it. Make a choice. The Palestinians are not going to move. Like Bush said, contiguous and viable or equal rights for all.

Netanyahu refuses to pickup negotiations where they were left with Olmert. He wants to start all over for the 5th time now (once after Rabin's assasination, then after various early elections when Israeli governments fell etc). Additionally, Netanyahu has stated he wants to offer them only a partial state, without any right to East Jerusalem, no return of any refugees, and a sliced up fraction of the West Bank which is far less than what Barak or Olmert offered. Of course the Palestinians have no reason to enter negotiations and give Netanyahu political cover in the international arena when his positions are well-known.

""There cannot be a real solution to the Palestinian issue without negotiations with Israel." Translation: -The Palestinians should accept the only offer on the table: the Israeli offer. Oh well you can most certainly forget about that!

""There cannot be a real solution to the Palestinian issue without negotiations with Israel." Translation: -The Palestinians should accept the only offer on the table: the Israeli offer. Oh well you can most certainly forget about that!

Pushing Netanyahu isn't a great thing - but I think everyone outside of Israel has lost patience, and so something needs to happen. Unilateral annexations and threats of military action will bring sanctions. Any kind of sanctions will destroy the Israeli economy and lead to a flight of the best and brightest people from the country (I may not be amongst the best and brightest, but with sanctions I know that there is no future in this country).

If the west pushes Israel to hard then Bibi will be forced to take drastic measures like start talking about unilaterally annexing all settlements. He has a right wing coalition to hold together, he will be lucky if he can get away with the settlement freeze but ask to much from him to quickly and it will all backfire The palestinians also risk loosing Obama who wants to be the middle man in a NEGOTIATED settlement. His legacy and Nobel Prize depend on that so he doesn't want the Europeans the palestinians or anybody else creating headaches for him especially with primaries coming up in the US They should also remeber that any agreement Israel is pushed into won't be honourd and if the palestinians declare unilateral statehood with or without backing from either the EU or UN then it will most likely spark a war. Palestinians need to stop these tactics For the first time they have a US president on their side against Israel upset him & its over because Obama will feel betrayed.

Looks like there is not a partner for peace in israel - looks like the Palestinians have taken a page out of the old zionist playbook. God wililng there will be a Palestinian state within the 1967 boundaries whether israel likes it or not. The age of technology and truth is turning the tide on the lies of israel and showing who the real war mongers are.