Israel and U.S. launch indirect peace talks

I think personality there should be both 'peace' it's been long time history and people are getting tired of this ! Not only it's a Jewish state but Jewish isn't the right word to say it is cuz Jewish is ur faith/ religion , come on don't u think that's being abit obsence I mean there Christians , Muslims living in Israel ! Don't make people confused more u israelis came from Europe different place b4 u took the land ! Anyways peace be with the both cuz from my point of view being from Canada Im sick and tired of this awful mess and there should be somthing done ! Listen we are put on this earth to live, surive , help yourself, love yourself , love people , trust people , take care , and to make right choice and it's just talks about Israeli this Israeli that palastian this or palastian that ! Enough already make peace and we will learn to love both sides ! It's messing alot of communication nobody there has any respect so make peace and that's it stop the both sides !

Israel have no choice but to react to the palestinians agenda that is gathering force around the world; the end of the jewish state ! The palestinian agenda made itself more of anti-Semitic movement than a national liberation movement. Any administration in israel can't treat it differently than an enemy that can't be trusted. Those who killed the peace & more than once, are the arab-palestinians. Any 'peace talk' that worth its name is a miracle its time passed. Israel agenda is part of the palestinian agenda going the opposite direction. The key to peace is lost and the one to be blamed are the palestinians and the arab countries. The History of this conflict drifted to no peace direction ! The U.S & others can't change that ! Obama will fail like all the U.S presidents who came before him.

"Of the three parties you mention, the U.S. is the only one which didn`t systematically persecute the Jews at any point in history" Is this a history you just made up? Ulysses S. Grant ordered expulsions (later rescinded) SS St. Louis Rigid immigration policies remained during the Holocaust, even though the US knew it was happening.

"If Erekat can`t do it, no one can? This is it? " If YOU say so....no one else has. "What a small-minded thing to say." YOU said it.

Israel can sit back and watch a teleprompter induced peace plan from Washington (actually the New York offices of the Big Three television networks). The first truly television presidency have all bases covered. Everyone will be given their scripts to read from. Just read you lines and all will be well. Peace will follow, just like on a TV show.

israel only talks peace but doesn't do peace

Nothing new but a legalisation of the status quo

I hate to appear defending the corrupt Arab regimes but Arab Jews were not driven out of their homes the way the Palestinians were. Arab jews wanted to move to Israel to assist in the establishment of Israel. They lived with Muslims and christians Arabs for thousands of years in a very peaceful way and nobody can deny that.

Just saw this story off the wire...can anyone give me more information on this?

"US is not a fair mediator" - Mustafa It is clear that the Obama administration lacks the spine to defend itself from endless humiliation much less act as a mediator with the Netanyahu government which insults it with impunity and apparently can give it orders. As no one can act as an honest broker when it is a groveling lackey of one party to the negotiations.

What exactly is a Jewish state where around 20% of the citizens are not Jewish and where quite a few more Jewish Israelis do not practice any religion at all? Why is there no "Israeli" nationality on Israeli passports, but you can talk about the Israeli tennis team ? Please spell Netanyahu correctly and explain what he means by a "Jewish state" !

I totally agree with you Peter. It is more of a reality every day the sun shines over Palestine-Israel. Ironically,the Israelis are the one who , on the ground, pushing for a one state for all sooner or later.By the way, Qaddafi suggested that the name would be ISRATINE. It is a pretty name isn,t it!!!

The only solution is preserving current state!!!! There are 3 streams of Islam: 1. Radical fanatics 2. Conservatives 3. Liberals. Their power is not seen anywhere in Islam world but Indonesia and Malasia Hamas is radical (with national agenda), PA is conservative. Not one of them is liberal and want to accept by western rules and western democracy. Radicals hate modernism, therefore US is the big devil. Israel represents modernism in Middle East and therefore it is a small devil. Conservatives just want to preserve current situation and their power and not fall under radicals control. Masses want change and radicals agenda is the only hope for change for them!!! To preserve support of the masses PA will try not to engage radicals on every issue but bring themselfs closer to radicals agenda through hate of Israel and of cause peace deal is not a way of showing hate to Israel. Checkmate - peace deal is not possible under those conditions and one state solution as well.

No more evidence is needed to prove that Israel is never serious about peace is the recent approval of more settlements. How brash can they be? The world is not fooled. Biden should come home after telling Israel to take a hike, do their own bombing, offer no more aid, and then sever the "friendship cord" which has bound us to the "only (non) democracy" in the ME. Let's make nice to Brazil!!

This is the Middle East. Reality does not work here. Only maximalist dreams are allowed to reign in peace talks.

peace talks will result in a 2 state solution. if they work. a failure in peace talks will result in a one state solution, in which case, the Palestinians will be Israelis and will have the exact same rights as anyone, say goodbye to your "Jewish state" dreams.

In fact, you are in what was once Mexico - do you think that Mexico after only 150 years should have a right to retake its land the way the jews did ? A claim that is thousands of years old and who's ancestors are long dead?

You are right but the US did wipe out many native american tribes and others - had they also had a large population of Jews at the time that stood in their expansionist way they would have also fallen pray to manifest destiny.

The US is quite broke too my friend - and as you rightly assess that the EU is dealing with internal pressures (muslims) so are the american (the Jews) - in fact, with healthcare on the horizon and two wars, the US cannot afford to build anything much less Palestine.

What can be more enlightening than that? A state where a person is not judged by his/her ethnicity, religion, or cultural affiliation but rather by their character. A society obsessed with religion, race or ethnicity eventually commits war and moral crimes in its zealotry.

By labeling a state Jewish, Christian or Islamic it automatically makes everyone else into a second class citizen - this goes against our western ideals - but this is asia, and it is a bit backwards.

Netanuahu is making absolutely sure that these "negotiations" will fail before they even start by insisting on another precondition - this one ruling out true democracy - that Israel be recognized as a Jewish state. Does this mean that all non-Jewish persons will be condemned to second-class citizenship in perpetuity ? How many democratic nations have such a racist/religious conditional citizenship ?

a 2 state will bring them back to misery - just take a look at Gaza - Arabs living in Israel benefit more than any arab living in any arab country. i vote for one Israel - the land G-d gave us. If you believe your holy book then read it carefully - no one can go against G-d's will.

Until the messianic age the jews must accept this and so must the palestinians but after this there will be changes .

All parties wish for peace. All parties agree that future generations of Israelis and Palestinians are high on the agenda. Maybe its time that some politicians will finally take responsibility, no matter what it costs. Good luck. G·night.

Really Peter? Don't you think the people in the region should be consulted about it? Or do you think it is your right as a resident of Florida to impose your will on Israelis/Palestinians? Maybe Israelis believe the United States, Canada, and Mexico should form one state to help deal with Mexico's economy and the US' immigration problems...

I would go for proximity talks any day

One state for you both ,Latinos could work as a cheap labor until they catch up on education. Catholic and Protestant courts could rule in family disputes. Go ahead Peter ,show how it's to be done .

the Obama twist to the story. "To end the occupation that started in 1967". Good luck sir.

No peace in the Middle East can be done and accomplished without a STICK. Both parties are acting like a spoiled child and should be smacked heavily.

as they did with the Jews. We're not that broke, if we want peace. Not enough money? I'm sure Israelis won't mind sharing financially, they've been overpaid handsomely for generations. Now is the time for Palestine. Salaam/Shalom

I can see it all happening as with President Clinton. After 4 months America will say 97% of the West Bank and East Jerusalem is good enough and when the Palestinians don't accept it, the US will blame them for the break-up to save their own face. The third intifada will begin - and this time it won't simply be Israel v. the Palestinians. Negotiations cannot succeed when one side is so weak and the other so dominant with facts on the ground. It is time the Quartet imposed the solution - withdrawal to 1967 borders etc.

If he had the least modicum of integrity or honesty that is what he would say. A what does he mean by "Israel" as "Jewish"? Let's guess. The palestinians must agree that EJer7salem is only Jewish and the palestinians live there as interlopers. The settlement blocks need to expand for natural growth and they too are Jewish. And the Jordan Valley, of course, is Jewish and needed for security. And Hebron is Jewish and Arabs shall live there as aliens. That netanyahu for starters. Would the US also "caution" Israel on those facts of lebensraum as a critcal component of the Jewish State??

Why dont you first define what are the borders of this state, it will be easier for them and more clear Cause I dont know is this Jewish State Jewish soul bla acceptance the new thing to put more obstacles to the already dead peace plan. Any way, If it is 67 borders you dont need Pals acceptance because Jewish are the majority within these borders,but Pals already accepted that in Oslo 20 years ago plus the Arab countries agreed to the Saudi peace plan which stats clear all the Arab countries will agree to a major peace plan if it includes full Palestinian country within 67 borders. If Israeli government sorry the Jewish soul Jewish state Halakah country really wants peace then why are they continuing to build Israeli Settlements in what is supposed to be Palestine in any reasonable peace plan.

Right on schedule, Netanyahu trucks out his preconditions. But will he recognize Palestine as the non-Jewish State? (What does Jewish State or non-Jewish State mean?) And will he give the same long term security guarantees to the Palestinians he is seeking for Israelis?

The fact that netanyahu and his ild suffer from a severe case of ghetto mentality and demand recognition from the rest of the world for what they already recognise, makes one think. But this sickness is certainly not something that Palestininas need to buy into.

what I normally read here in Florida. And, so free. That's the only thing that would keep me from caring whether Israel were to become a "muslim" country.

I can't imagine that ANY state should be required to set the tone or agree to an adjective describing the religeousity of an adjoining state, really childish, as was the declaration of Netanyahu on TV back about 1990, quote: "We will not give up one inch of territory, never!" Jim

made up of Jews, Christians and Muslims? Why don't the Christians and Muslims get any recognition? But, personally I couldn't care less. But, as an American I really think that the US should stop funding/aiding Israel until you reach an agreement. Otherwise, it'll just be more posing. I wouldn't be surprised if that Iranian kook president took his cue on postponing (in his case, nuclear)talks from the Israelis.

then both sides will have to reconcile themselves to a single state for all peoples.... The partition did not work because Arabs refused to adhere to UN resolution . As far as one country , who is going to establish that one country ? And which Jew , including me , in this world will want to share such a beautiful , advanced , democratic country with primitive back-warded , repressively destructive Arabs ? Would you explain that to me ?

You can't be a "Jewish" state without being a theocracy as well. So much for the myth of Isreal being the only democracy in the area. I wonder if all the Jewish living in the US for example would sit on their hands and not complain if the US was declared a Christian state? And gave building permits, and other privileges to those of the state religion? I doubt it, but it is demanded of the Palestinians. Religion hasn't any place in governance, go celebrate your religion on your own time and in private. Personally I think religion is for the simple minded.

good going bibi but kinda obvious.....how are you going to make that sound like the pals fault?

Did France , Germany , Russia , China .....ever asked for acceptance as a national state ? Why is this Jewish inferiority complex in Israel ? No , we Jews do not need anyone to accept our country , It is Jewish , It is here to stay forever as a Jewish country . If somebody doeas not like it as a Jewish country he is freeeeee to leave . PERIOD .

Netanyahu, let's see you sticking to your guns. Don't waiver. No buts & no ifs. You made a policy keep it up through thick & thin.

Mr Mitchell should pack and come back home, Tax-payers money better be spent at home helping those unemployed and homeless. The only solution is a one state for all people equal under the law, religous courts will solve family issues. israel can use the Palestinian labor force until they catch-up in education with the rest of the country. This way they both live in peace in the country that they all want. No other solution. This objectif should be achieved peacefully as violence will get them nothing.

Biden is always smiling even like when something bad happens did anyone notice, lol... first person smiling in the middle east in a long time, hehe.

thats all you gonna see cause i talk trash and am a coward joo

its so easy to be a blowhard from california and have stupid opinions from a world away....get a life clown

while zio's steal more land under PA umbrellah of peace and protection?

Indirectness seems to be a brave, intimate straightforward way to indirect agreement, an indirect peace and an indirect 2 state solution. I think it is part of a new virtual reality game that is politically very popular. It goes along with indirect sanctions against Iran, an indirect economic recovery all headed up by masterfully aggressive indirect politicians who are indirectly elected. Now if I can only find a way to pay my taxes indirectly.

Only people like Gideon Levy can bring Hope, Change to this part of Palestine called Israel. Let us hope the road to World peace is not lost. My fingers crossed and deep respect to anybody in Israel supporting and lisening Mr.G.Levy. Surely the must be more people like HIM...petr czech republic

whole process again. We all know that Israel doesn't want to negotiate internationally recognized borders... the status quo was/is/will-be sufficient.

That any Arab state created under a "piece'process would have to be free of any Jews, would Israel be entitled uf the process resulted in creating an Arab state of expelling all Israeli Arabs into that state and creating an Israel free of Arabs, Interesting point of view, Mr. Erekat

borders and b done with it. get the IDF out and the UN in.

rather than imprisoning these people in these tiny lands, being human necessitates this. Once people get relaxed there will be much less problems and no suicide attacks. A non-depressed person would not comit suicide. There have been very very few suicide bombers in Israeli arab population because they are relatively free and at ease. Why not mix also with other Arabs ? This might sound absurd to you but this is because of the pervert stigma in your brain. Why are you so afraid of Arabs ? They would not hurt you if you treat them as humans.

An intermediary is critical to the integrity of the process. Otherwise there will be even more posturing and attempts to confuse the world media. It must be clear which nation wants peace and which prefers continued violence. The outcome is critical to the world and not just Israel and Palestine. There must be an end to violence whether it is individual or institutional terrorism. International law must be a critical foundation to assure lasting peace. Too much is at stake for another photo opportunity followed by finger-pointing. It would even be better if the EU and Russia joined in the negotiations to assure reasonableness, viability and containment of zealotry.

I see, SDHD, so the only fair mediator is the USA. Why not come out and say it: to you the only fair mediator is Israel. Probably in the person of Lieberman.

and succeded. Even the US understands what you are up to and that guarantees that everybody else do. The world will know watch and see what comes out of this latest US effort and if that is nothing, well then the US had their chance and the world will have to act.

"idiot! the last chance for peace for two state is now otherwise it is going to be a one state solution with the palestinian in control." Really? And how do you see that happening? You think Israelis wouldn't choose disengagement before a one-state "inevitability?" " hope you understand what he means he wrote a paper on this." Hope you understand that what you've written is worthy of being written on toilet paper. So, according to your idiocy, if Israel doesn't reach a peace accord with the Palestinians in "x-number" of what? Days, weeks, months ... a single state is the only possible outcome? And you refer to "me" as an idiot? Moron.

idiot! the last chance for peace for two state is now otherwise it is going to be a one state solution with the palestinian in control. hope you understand what he means he wrote a paper on this.

"Talks should include the Europeans and Arab states to balance off US favor of Israel." You mean the two regions which nearly wiped out their entire Jewish populations? THOSE "fair mediators?" Of the three parties you mention, the U.S. is the only one which didn't systematically persecute the Jews at any point in history. Europe and the Middle East were both wiped clean of upwards of 80% of their Jews. Fair mediators? Bull.

Neither is the EU which does not have to live in the area and is dealing, basically, from internal political pressures.Besides, they are broke. It should be the US and Arab states who have the financial ability to assist the development of Palestine? Without substantial financial help, nothing will work.

"He`s implying there will be a third intifada. And there will." Whether there is one or not, there will always be a peace process available to those who choose it. He claimed it would end the peace process. It won't. Peace is an option at any time of both party's choosing.

"If there can be no agreement towards peace on a two state basis " When? Now, and ONLY now? Or when there is an administration change for the respective sides? What about in 4 years? If no agreement is reached now, one won't be reached in 4 years either? 10 years? 100 years? It's now or never and that's it?

Talks should include the Europeans and Arab states to balance off US favor of Israel. Any talks under US mediation are doomed to failure.

He's implying there will be a third intifada. And there will.

If there can be no agreement towards peace on a two state basis (and quite frankly - as partition has failed to achieve peace for almost 63 years - why should partition work now?), then both sides will have to reconcile themselves to a single state for all peoples.

I agree with #1. What exactly are the options? Even the proposed 1 state for 2 People needs agreement. Status Quo can be very ugly.

If Erekat can't do it, no one can? This is it? This is the end of the road? No developments toward peace can ever happen if it's not achieved now? Nonsense. What a small-minded thing to say.