Netanyahu: Change in the air over Israel-Palestinian peace talks

#78. Is Washington considered to be a holy city by the three main monotheistic religions whose followers number in the billions? No. So your comparison is stupid. And don't get into that bullcrap that Jerusalem is holier to the jew than either the muslim or christian. Only a jew would think that way.

ND: "American support of Israel understandably motivates Islamic extremism. Bin Laden said so himself. Do you think he was lying?" Yes, he was lying. So said Yasir Arafat in no uncertain terms in an interview on December 15, 2002, warning Osama bin Laden to stop justifying attacks in the name of Palestinians. "I'm telling him directly not to hide behind the Palestinian cause. Why is bin Laden talking about Palestine now? He never helped us. He was working in another, completely different area and against our interests." http://www.nytimes.com/2002/12/16/world/arafat-disavows-bin-laden-saying-he-never-helped-us.html?pagewanted=1 Bin Laden's preoccupation has always been with taking power in Saudi Arabia, and controlling Mecca and Medina (oh yeah, and the oil too). For once, Arafat was telling the truth.

How would you like the rest of the world to declare Washington DC an international city, PW? Jerusalem is Israel's capital and has NEVER been the capital of ANY Arab state or nation.If you want to preach to Israel, fine, but first give your land back to the Native Americans.

Hello H, thnks for pointing out this example of gross theft and racism. The other H would attempt to find justification for these crimes or simply pass the report of as "Anti Semitic" baloney. Such is the prob lem, when Israel and its gullible supporters shun the truth. Regards from ireland.

Prior to 1967 Jerusalem was not the open city it is today. It is only because the Jews took over that all religions can now visit and pray.

The thing that amazes me regarding Israel's defenders is the notion that the rocket attacks on Israeli towns and settlements are unprovoked. Now I am NOT condoning these attacks, as they target civilians, and are a violation of international law. However, the land on which many of these places have been settled was taken illegally from Palestinians, and continues to be occupied at the devastating price. Therefore, it is not only naive but illogical to expect that the displaced will not respond with hostilities of their own. Again, I do not endorse rocket attacks against civilians in any way, but I do raise my eyebrow at people who act surprised that these attacks are occurring.

Lieberman makes Netanyahu look statesmanly, Ayalon wouldn't. Besides, nobody's seen the 'fine print' that says what isn't included in the gesture. And Netanyahu hasn't made the gesture yet or even said he would. And the Knesset hasn't agreed yet either. Nothing from a PM without a Knesset vote can be trusted, even a statement about the weather.

Peace is in the air!? Okay, how do we extract it from the airborne contaminamts that are common to everyday life in the Middle East and seen as a necessity to both sides to verify that they are performing to their country's best interests? This brand of discussion needs to be reborn. The dutiful acknowledgement that there is a living economic and real estate manifesto is already understood. Opening negotiations to discuss peace is only dutifully organized and impressionable, but will it result in progress? I say no.This is an old game with new students who want to play president. The previous convictions and assertions that have been sorted and recorded will not become yielding, but rather arbitrated and politely argued until one side gets sick of the usually uttered terms and conditions. Until this peace process is reformed and handled like a championship wrestling match, there will be no winners and no end in sight of this compact collaboration called war.

Given that said 'delusions' could only relate to Palestinians managing to retain control of less than a quarter of their homeland in the first place, one develops a morbid interest in just what Lieberman would regard as 'realistic.' He really should speak up. I'd LOVE to hear the 'Lieberman Plan.'

Otiose. When Arafat confirmed for the PLO that the articles in their Covenant 'which deny Israel`s right to exist... are now inoperative', that meant THEY NO LONGER APPLY. It's a very simple issue really. The PLO charter called for the end of Israel. Likud's charter calls for the seizure and populating of the West Bank by Jews, therefore for the end of Palestine. Arafat agreed 16 years ago to drop the Pal claim. However, Likud and its far-right allies have NEVER agreed to drop the Israeli claim. Why should the PLO, having made an historic step to peace, change their charter, when the Israeli governing right is still committed to its aggressive charter? Both sides should jump in the water at the same time, surely? If the Pals are ready to change their charter, what's stopping the expansionist Jews doing likewise? This is the core question that sdhd and chums continually evade and skate around.

Wake up. The palestinians and their arab brothers have never once made a truthful and honest direction to peacefully coexist with the jews or with israel. They want to kill the jews and destroy israel. They do not want to peacefully coexist.Their talk of peace is Pure BS. They could have been a prosperous nation by now but chose to violently confront israel and have ended up in the cesspool. It is their choices and failed corrupt leadership that only delivers misery. And exactly why have the gazans fired 10,000 rockets into Israel since the Israeli pullout. What sayeth You

Status of Jerusalem is the key to peace between Israel and the Palestinians. If Jerusalem is declared an International Holy City (the first in the world)then Jews, Muslims and Christians will all have an opportunity to work and live together. This holy city is precious to all three religions. Any partition of the city into no-go zones for one or more religions will only bring sorrow. Non-religious people will still be allowed to live and work there, but the Holy City status will bring peace.

* The 'Peace & Security' chapter of the 1999 Likud Party platform ?flatly rejects the establishment of a Palestinian Arab state west of the Jordan river.? The chapter continued: ?The Palestinians can run their lives freely in the framework of self-rule, but not as an independent and sovereign state.?[8] And that Sir is it all in a nutshell. Israel nevr has---does not now or ever will work for a just peace----neverrrrrrrr.

It does not say that in the document, and so is not part of the document. What the document does say is quite explicit, and Israeli discomfort with it does not change what it actually does say. The author's opinion on it, after the parties to it sign, is of no consequence either- they signed the document itself, not to ongoing debate on what you think it really means.

Res 242 does not include "all" or even "the" territories occupied by Israel no matter how much wishing the Arabs do. Although settling occupied territory is against international law one must consider two points. 1. If 242 does not require the withdrawl from "all" the territories then whatever territories are agreed to be forfeited are not in fact illegally occupied. Until those lands are determined through the prescribed negotiations, it is not possible to say which part of the settlements, if any, are illegal. 2. Although the US certainly considers land occupied through aggression to be illegal, the fact that they were key drafters and signers of Res 242 obviously shows that they do not consider that to be the case here. Every president, except the peanut farmer, has supported the idea that Israel will not be required to withdraw from "all" the territories it occupied as a result of its defensive actions

Leiberman says time tables were set and not met, thus leading to frustration. The answer is not to forgo timetables, the answer is to actually Meet the deadlines and Follow Through on the agreements!

The only ones to have again and again brought change in the air are succesive Israëli governments. The Palestinians, on the other hand, have never changed their tune: withdrawal to the borders of 67 and return of the refugees. In other words selfdestruction for Israël.

Beware: Bibi is back in surrender mode. First, Hebron in his first term as PM. In November, the settlement construction freeze. What's next, North Tel Aviv? Jerry

We have seen this movie already. Several times -same script, somtimes even same actors. A new screen writer and a new plot is badly needed - but Obama doesn't semm to be one, either . David

This lawyer from Canada is "aware" that Res 242 does not call for Israel to withdraw from all occupied territory. He/she further states that international law allows for Israeli colonies in "Samaria and Judea". I wonder what the Canadian government thinks about that, seeing that all other governments, INCLUDING USA, consider creation of settlements in occupied territory contrary to international law.

"The phrase "territories occupied by Israel" is fully functional and contains all of the necessary requirements. If a piece of land is occupied by Israel as result of the 1967 conflict, that is the land that is being addressed." Except for the fact that it cold be addressed in whole or in part. The authors made it clear that it wasn't addressed in whole.

"It`s like being told to negotiate with the school bully to see if he`ll give you back any of the sweets he seized, " You're the special ed kid. He's not the bully. He's the bigger kid who was messed with by the smaller kid who tried to take ALL of the candy first. The violent little kid hit the big kid, wanting to get him away from the candy. But the big kid clocked the violent little bugger and taught him a lesson instead. The little violent kid must also be in special ed with you because he keeps trying to take all the candy and has his butt handed to him every time. "Israel can only legally get the land it covets by formal agreement " Correct. But that doesn't mean the Palestinians get carte blanche and get to build "facts on the ground," all by themselves in the meantime. "Why should he accept major Jew-only towns being built on his (Abbas') land." You really are a special ed kid. Didn't you say borders are to be negotiated? When did the land become "Abbas' land"?

The problem with you, cummings, is that you refuse to recognize that the promise to amend the charter was a promise to amend the charter, but the charter was never amended. Otherwise, you can demonstrate when the charter language was changed, and when the changes were ratified by a vote. You are as dishonest as they get, cummings.

What's in the air are the foul gases the PM emits, wishing to anaesthesize the people to the fact that he has no plans or desire to see a palestinian state alongside Israel. He does nor 'foresee' such a state in 2 years. But of course. Not even in the foreseeable future. If talks ever restart, he will drag them on forever, while settlements will grow, re-expand and doom any solution. It is all in the air.

'No so.' - 17 Yes so. Arafat confirmed the PLO's recognition of the state of Israel in his letter. What more do you want? 'Palestinian Covenant was not amended.' Was the Likud Covenant amended? It still calls for Israel to settle and take over Palestine. When Likud removes that, it will be time for the Pals to amend their covenant accordingly. For Israel, all two-way streets become one-way ones when it wants something. 'The letter of Arafat is just a letter by Arafat.' Nope, it's not a personal letter. It was sent in his capacity as Chairman of the PLO. It is a formal legal and diplomatic document that enshrines their recognition of Israel. The bottom line is it's not what the right wants to hear. It totally discredits their claim that the Pals want to take over Israel. And their narrative of bloodthirsty 'terrorists' who must be fought. And the idea that the Pals always miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Three charges that more aptly apply to Israel.

Referring to this Title: The soomer the nightclub bouncer is charged with corruption Name: Chris Linthwaite City: State: and removed fro the picture the better. I assume that he means Leiberman. The irony of this,that Chris probably isn't aware of is that during his days as a student at Durham University,not far from here,BLAIR ALSO WORKED AS A PART-TIME NIGHT CLUB BOUNCER!!!He probably wouldn't like you to know that. And the really ultimate irony is that it doesn't matter whether you meant Leiberman or Blair,a lot of us will agree with you. THREE CHEERS FOR ISRAEL!!!

If you were really a lawyer, you would be well versed in document construction, which you are apparently not. In short, you can only use the document itself as qualification, not something that does not in fact exist at all. The phrase "territories occupied by Israel" is fully functional and contains all of the necessary requirements. If a piece of land is occupied by Israel as result of the 1967 conflict, that is the land that is being addressed. That is the only qualifier that exists in the actual document. If there is another IN THE DOCUMENT ITSELF, please point that out to us. Good luck there.

If change is indeed in the air and Israel and the Palestinians are willing to sit down then Lieberman must go. Netanyahu will have enough trouble selling any peace plan to Israel and Lieberman's constant sniping at even the prospect of talks must be stopped. The only way to do that is to replace him immediately. Danny Ayalon would be a great choice and I am sure there are others willing and able to support the process.

you missed one central point, namely: as long as we have liberman in the government no peace is possible.

I am a bit confused here. What exactly is Abbas supposed to be negotiating? Well let's see what's on the table. The expansion of ILLEGAL settlements? No. The IMMORAL and ILLEGAL evictions from East Jerusalem so that JUDAISM can proceed? No. The BARBARIC three year siege of Gaza? No. Assisting in controlling hamas as it is a threat to the very existence of the jew State? Yes. Simply because The 200 strong arsenal of nuclear warheads that State possesses may not be enough to prevent it from being driven into the sea. A starting point then? Yes.

What you guys don't understand is that American support of Israel understandably motivates Islamic extremism. Bin Laden said so himself. Do you think he was lying? Israel has taken much land from the Palestinians and they have had the unquestioning support of America. Israel kills civilians using weapons which America has given them, free of charge. This is an ugly picture. It will not be possible to kill your way out of it or occupy your way out of it. It will not be possible to fleece the Palestinians in an unfair peace deal and expect it to hold. America must treat all people with equal respect. All the more so because Israel does not.

Due to their wars of aggression the Arabs will end up with less land than they refused in the beginning. Not the real beginning, the Balfour Declaration, but the beginning of the State of Israel since they got Jordan and more since that resolution. Despite all the talk about "international law" etc being broken by Israel in building in Samaria and Judea, no laws are being broken since Israel is NOT required to vacate the entire territory it is now occupying as a result of being attacked. That is something both the general assembly and the security council agreed upon when they wrote and voted on UNSC res 242. Read what the framers of 242 said and wrote, it is very clear! Until the Arabs make an agreement on the land they will get back from what they could have had, Israel can occupy it legally according to UNSC 242. Life will not be on hold because they don't want to negotiate. Natalie is right that Israel benefits from the Arabs obstinance and inaction. Too bad...negotiate then!!!

Some very basic facts: 1) Israeli's generally have a sophistication that is higher than that of Palestinians (as a result of education, etc) 2) Israeli's are using (and have always used) that sophistication to outplay the Palestinians when it comes to land 3) Within a few years weapons of mass destruction will be available to anyone who can spell their name with less than 5 mistakes 4) The fair treatment of the Palestinians is inevitable. The only question is whether it will be on terms decided by people who can spell and count In the United States more and more people are supporting the Palestinian cause every day. Jews who continue to support the bad faith efforts of Israel are losing power. If one event occurs that forces Americans to examine Iraq (for example as at the marine barracks during Lebanon), or if there is ever a thorough public American investigation (as at the UK Iraq war inquiry), Israelis will no longer be negotiating. They will be... whats the opposite of aliyah?

...the inability to find a way to the peace table is a shame. I never seen so many excuses by so-called leaders... What direction does Israel really wants to go in?

The billions that Israel receives is used mainly to buy arms to defend herself from her Arab enemies You really should help out at home, it seems your own government has plenty of problems with your Arab 5th column, remember the subway bombings??

Prime Minister Netanyahu should kick out Liebermann from the government. There is very little chance of peace with this fascist in the cabinet.

How many more times must it be pointed out to you, that part of the entire exchange was a promise by the Palestinian Authority to amend their charter? When was the charter amended and when was it ratified, cummings?

and it is only BIBI that can TALK and TAKING quicker than John Wayne with a pistol.

One thing for sure he does not look like a partner.

No so. Palestinian Covenant was not amended. Constitutions of ALL parties insist on destruction of Israel. The letter of Arafat is just a letter by Arafat. Playing games would not bring "Greater Palestine" into being.

What will be left for a Palestinian state? Have a look at this: http://mondoweiss.net/2010/01/ma%E2%80%99ale-adumim-annexation-and-the-architecture-of-apartheid.html

What are you writing about.? "Leeching"..? Israel, is the only true democratic country in the Middle East that is a partner for which the US can count on. How many twin towers or other attacks against US interests are required for you to understand. Meanwhile the US has over 200.000 troops fighting to protect the American way of life. Of course you should be present when those flag draped coffins of the brave US soldiers arrive from Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere. May G-d Bless America and its men and women fighting to preserve what you are enjoying in sunny Florida. Cool B, not cool at all, rather sad, I must say. Good day.

Scanning thru the comments here,I can tell you that the one who has it about right is Swede Anyone reading Ha'aretz or seeing a daily news knows the behavior of the more extreme settlers in Hebron etc. The Israeli Arabs,on the other hand,are a largely law abiding and positive part of Israel and I also agree that those settlers who so want to stay in the future Palestine should be allowed to do so under Palestinian law and rule

Olmerts helped Abbas in the first part of his mission and it seems Netanyahu trying to negotiate the second part ! Olmert allowed Abbas self rule of the palestinians in the West Bank & Natanyahu trying to negotiate how far israel can build homes for its own people ! And all that is left now, is an intifatha ; which is the easy part of the game. And the carpet is pulled out of israel feet. If israel will still exist !

Its not only the question of politics as usual. Its more about the security of the USA. Both Israel and the US military can link up for any emergency. The US has a large number of technicians based in Israel. Israel uses the same weapons systems and aircraft as the US. Both have far reaching military agreements. What Durson does not understand is that the US is at war. Have a nice day.

People are out of patience with israel and the US now. Hand this over to the UN now or face massive boycotts and divestments and the banning of Israeli officials.... Dutch

1. Land under the control of Arabic municipalities has been cut by half since the beginning of the state of Israel, despite the fact that their population has grown by a factor of 7. 2. Israeli Arabs constitute 20% of the population yet they only live on 3.5% percent of the land. 3. Urban plans for Arabic towns take on average twice as long to be authorized compared to Urban plans for Jewish towns. 4. Land around Arabic villages in the Galilee have been confiscated by the government to build Jewish only settlements, along with industrial and other complexes to support them, leaving Arabic towns with no room to expand to, turning them to extremely crowded places. Yet no body talks about "Natural Growth" for Arabic Towns. Please stop the Hypocrisy

As long as Israel can leach of the American taxpayer they will have zero motivation for peace; we continue to feed this white elephant which is totally useless to us.

//Palestinians recognized Israel years ago// 'Any formal document to support your statement?' - Mr 17 Can't you look it up for yourself 17, people keep posting it for you? Or are you trying to make some point about it? Here is Arafat's letter again: September 9, 1993 Yitzhak Rabin Prime Minister of Israel Mr. Prime Minister, The signing of the Declaration of Principles marks a new era...I would like to confirm the following PLO commitments: The PLO recognizes the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and security.... the PLO affirms that those articles of the Palestinian Covenant which deny Israel's right to exist, and the provisions of the Covenant which are inconsistent with the commitments of this letter are now inoperative...

There will NEVER be a US President that will "turn off" all support to Israel. Obama was your LAST chance and hope for that, and as you can see, even he will not. Anybody that does not see this hasn`t been paying attention.

while silently grab more Palestinian lands!

we all know what kind of 'peace' mister Lieberman has in mind. He is after all a settler!

Given the encouragement by the U.S. and the developments reached with the previous Israeli government under the Kadima administration with President Abbas, in addition to other Quartet members' input, it's feasible to reach an agreement based on the core issues by the two years timeframe. FM Lieberman's views reflect that of others who remain pessimistic about substantial progress diplomatically, when security conditions are of utmost concern over relations with one's neighbours. But he doesn't get the correlation that success in diplomacy leads to a secure Israel and a less volatile neighbourhood. Remind me again why he became the foreign minister?

It's like being told to negotiate with the school bully to see if he'll give you back any of the sweets he seized, which he's happily munching and handing out to his chums. Israel too thinks it can get away with the crime and dictate absolutely how many or few sweets it gives back and upon what terms. Israel can only legally get the land it covets by formal agreement with the civil authority (the PA), so its allies are pushing Abbas into a corner where he has to give Israel things. But why should he give up 7 or 8 per cent of Palestine? Would Israelis give away 7 or 8 per cent of 1948 Israel? Why should he accept major Jew-only towns being built on his land, being as how that's totally illegal? Why recognise Israel as a Jewish state, that's not even in its official title? Abbas should tell the bully the terms and then publish them, so all can see the true face of the Israeli response.

This is not news. Same old tosh. Procrastination is the thief of time and Israel is a past master. We can only expect more land grab and mendacity from this failed regime. Proud not to be an Israeli.

Sir, Any formal document to support your statement?

PA can have the WBank state within 2 weeks, not within 2 years.

2,20,200, all unrealistic. Israeli-Palestinian 'peace' isnt about ending an armed conflict, otherwise it would be easy. These 'negotiations' are about 'how do we make the palestinians understand that they're facing a take it or leave it' situation!' You can't change a bully if the pupils, teachers and headmaster are on his side. You can't stop a thief if the police and judiciary are on his side. Palestinians are worthless creatures not worthy of humun dignity. If they were, then they would be accorded the same rights and protections as apartheid SA, or East Timor, Bosnia, the Iranian Opposition, Tibet, etc... How do you make an indigenous population disappear quietly and unnoticed(by whatever means possible)in the Info Tech age? Difficult. But making everyone think that it is God's will that you steal, imprison, murder and discriminate is a great start in implementing your final solution. Well done Israel, well done.

Lieberman is right in stating that a time period is a bad idea, especially with Fatah and Hamas being soo close to reconciliation... Basically this is the time line... negotiations start... they stagger due to Israel and Pals not budging on core issues like right of return and Jerusalem... This then causes the radical elements in Hamas to start a bloddy intafada with rockets into Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv

Israel profits by avoiding peace. Currently, Israel is in a mad race to expand outside their borders in the west bank and East Jerusalem. Any peace deal will not only stop that expansion, it will also require that Israel withdraw from part or all of the land they have occupied outside of Israels borders. This means that Israel has a huge motivation to avoid peace. Israel will never consider peace until the profit factor has been eliminated. Only America can do this, since they finance and support the Israeli war machine. Until a strong president is able to turn off all support to Israel, there will never be peace. Israel will comtinue to play the talk the talk, but they will not walk the walk. Anybody that does not know this hasn't been paying attention.

http://tinyurl.com/y8ewves/myths-mis-conceptions-propaganda/#who-is-being-wiped-off-the-map How convenient for them

and has never even reached a bus stop !! its an einstein bus" the full measure of stupidity is to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result each time "!!!

...Peace Deal. FM Lieberman, has stated what he truly believes is the real situation. For the FM is no daydreamer. Unlike some. There will be a two state solution, we all know that. For its written in stone. What we do not know, is where Hamas stands in this unclear situation. Maybe, that is what FM Lieberman is referring to, for that alone is where the word "unrealistic" comes into play. Good day from sunny freezing Swiss Alps.

Palestinian recognize Israel years ago, It was eccepted at that time!! Israel record is just to stall, stall, stall. world getting sick of it!

Obama tries to shoehorn agreements like he pushed through the healthcare bill. It doesn't matter to him what are the costs or consequences. Thankfully, his power will end in three years, and his influence will erode next November, when his base erodes in the House and Senate. The Israeli leadership should follow Leiberman's lead and tell Obama where to stick his Peace Deal. Israel will be around long after Obama, whose sub-50 percent approval rating makes his more and more meaningless with each passing day. Besides, he's more focused now on Arab terror harming the US, something the Israelis have to live with for decades (way before Gaza, way before '67 War).

because of Israel and USA pressure to stop all the help to the Palestinian once hamas was elected in a democratically election cause hamas to start rocket again. So you see? look at Israel for the strife! Everytime is problem you see Israel in front and stupid USA follow!

Skillful diplomacy is required to get through these difficult times. Lieberman does not fit this mold. Bless Israel and give her the wisdom to succeed.

Sir, # 181 does not mention any sovereignty by Arabs over Jerusalem. You are inventing facts. PA may have their state any time- but they want the greater "Palestina" with the right to continue the war against Jews. Playing games would not help them and would not help you to appear a honest thinker.

When I read the posts I see the same old arguments that have been regurgitated for the past 20 years or more. "Who did what to who first etc" What is real is that the world is becoming more and more focused on this region and eventually will retire from it when the discourse crosses the threshold that leads to exasberation. A most important judgement point will be the REAL behaviour of the parties involved and not the rhetoric. "in your face" settlement activity is a REAL lethal weapon that will be turned against Israel during this period.

to do a mans work. That is what my dad used to say when I played a made a weak lead in a card game. Same saw applies to the PM. As well intentioned as he may be, he is a hack at this level of government.

You expect the Palestinians to disarm whilst the Settkers set up armed camps?

In that case you can say Israel is not interested in peace because the billions it receives from United States and Germany would dry up.

and removed fro the picture the better.

What demand gabby? Palestinians (Muslim & Chritians)were given 45% of their land during partition of their land, The Jewish community of Palestine a MINORITY then got 55%.UNFAIR calculation, then . Preemtive wars here and there,brought The Jewish State of Israel 78%. Unfair, but.... Now the Palestinians, WB and HAMAS of Gaza ACCEPT to build their State on 22%. Heart broken Acceptance from their part but, for PEACE. So you see Gabby, there is no demand from PALESTINIANS AS THEY HAVE ALREADY LOST 23% MORE OF THEIR 45%.lands, from their 100 % Palestine. THE DEMAND is coming from PM NEtanyahu and his ministers.

If peace is unrealistic, then why have a foreign minister? Here's hopeing the quadruple wammy - Shalit is released for Barghouti, Fatah/Hamas reconciliation signed, peace talks relaunched, Lieberman is indicted and Livni returns as foreign minister.

JERUSALEM,and Establishing a Palestinians State along the JUNE 67 Borders. BRAVO Mr PM. This is really Good News, now we must see actions rather than just mere talking. First, Jerusalem, let see that there is a total FREEZE on building settlements of any kind there. THUS getting President Abbas to join you, Mr PM for the negociations regarding all the other core issues, for a FINAL PEACE settlement, between neighbors. BORDERS, these have been discussed many times with many Former PMs, we all know of the complicated issues, and what have been agreed just recently, from your predessessor Mr Ehud OLMERT. Now Sir,about the settlers, just tell them that those who accept to come back to Israel, will be compensated, and those wishes to stay behind will be absorbed in the NEW STATE of Palestine, that simple, no arguments no use of force, nothing. In the meantime Mr Netanyahu allow the Palestinians to conduct their own affairs as in any autonomic Province.Thank You Sallam/Shalom

if Lieberman has any influence, he is right about a peace agreement within two years being unrealistic. There would never be a peace agreement. The Netanyahu government has got to go.

Time to get on with it ourselves then. We don't need Lieberman's permission!

Let's get a bit of honesty going here...Israel has reneged on a previously signed agreement under the Roadmap to freeze settlements including Natural growth. Abbas quite rightly expects Israel to honour it. Netanyahu agreed to follow the process and then changed the rules. Obama has told Netanyahu that he agreed to the process. Israel is the obstacle to peace....not the Palestinians.

Israel is doomed for unseen reasons. Led by the fact that it wants to be all-Jewish. Just like the Reich wanted an all-German state. You can't have a Democracy if you only want a certain kind of people to vote. Israel represents an old world, that is dying fast. And God? Is a delusion? Israel is deluded.

The USA appears desperate to have talks. Maybe they feel more talking means less shooting not just at Israel but at themselves. Muslim countries are on USA backs to force concessions out of Israel so that the Arab regimes can show their people they are doing something. It doesn't matter whether talks are held in Russia,Spain or Las Vegas, they all fail because of a stalemate on Jerusalem,right of return and the Arab rejection of Israel as a Jewish-majority state. Peripheral concessions like freezing or minor withdrawals just whets the Palestinian appetite for more concessions.Israel has to hold tight in the face of Arab rejection and Western ignorance.

Pres Obama, PM Netanyahu, and other Israeli officials are concurrently stating that two years is a realistically attainable goal for declaration of a Pal State... What Lieberman really means is that he personally will do everything possible to scuttle such a Pal State ever...

Whether or not the palestinians sign a peace deal & get a state depends on their willingness to compromise, which so far they have been unwilling to do. Israel has made many concessions & have got nothing in return. The palestinians have not even honored their pledge to fight terrorism. Negotiations do not involve just one side making all the concessions.

Yes, I disagree with you, the world hasn't gone mad. It's been mad for quite some time, as the brutal occupation of Palestinian lands has been ongoing for a number of years now. Only when it ends and freedom, security and sovereignty is granted the Palestinian people, will some of its madness end. And to the one guy who compares the Israeli Arabs with the settlers keep in mind Jews are welcome to Palestine but if they want to live there they have to abide to Palestinian law, if they don't like it they can take their stuff and get out and never come back. Unlike the settlers the israeli arabs dont close themselves off in gated communities with a brutal military protecting them, and weekly (if not daily) go on raids attacking and killing people and destroying property and burning crops and carry arms. There's your difference between the settlers and the Israeli arabs.

Didn't Bush promise that? It was rubbish then - a distraction from Iraq - and it's rubbish now - a distraction from Afghanistan. Or possibly Iran.

until the Israelis reject violence toward Palestinian civilians and accept East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine...Until they accept unconditionally the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem as the Palestinian state and remove illegal settlements. Then there is a remote possibility of the violent conflict ending and the Israelis and Palestinians moving forward. But with the daily raids and humilitation on Palestinians, the Israelis prove daily they do not want to coexist. Israel has 1million arabs, who have second class citizen status within Israel, are not allowed to build and are generally refused in universities. ...The west bank will have Jews, with Palestinian nationality. They should be treated as Israel treats the Arabs by the time we get there.

Israel already knows what it needs to do to resume peace talks. Israel can resume peace talks whenever they want. They just have to accept the fact that the internation community views East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. You can't have it your way every time.

until the palestinians reject violence toward jews and the state of israel...Until they accept unconditionally Israel as the Jewish state and DISARM. Then there is a remote possibility of the violent conflict ending and the palestinians moving forward. But with the daily terror attacks on settlers the palestinians prove daily they do not want to coexist. Israel has 1million arabs...The west bank will have Jews

I think James rather misses the point. Both Palestine and Israel stand to gain from peace. Only the arms dealers and funeral parlors gain from strife. So far, Hamas's only negotiating tool has been rockets. It has not won them anything in the past.

Abbas-will be a man "persuaded against his Will, will be of the same opinion still "

If Israel really is offering the gesture to get Abbas to the table, so much the better. But if it's a deal like the "settlement (non)freeze," it probably won't work.

From where they left off under Omert. Israels game has been that each new administration wants to begin from square one. Therefore nothing gets done. Abbas should insist and get the US to insist that Israel conform to International Law. Will Israel agree to do that? Of course that would mean settlement activity would stop since it is contrary to the law. It would also mean the IDF would have to protect the occupied. It would also mean illegally annexed territory must be rescinded and returned. Anyone think Israel wants peace? I didn't think so.

Gilad will be returned to Israel, dead or alive. Everything else is unknown.

If you lived in a town under constant threat of rocket attacks or terrorist acts you would understand Israel's motivation for peace. As for Palestinians, they have no motivation whatsoever because the moment they signed peace with Israel the flow of money from Saudis, Iran and others would stop. Pals understand they present interest to their Arab brothers only for as long as they oppose Israel. If Pals really wanted peace and their state they would've had it long time ago, for example when Israel accepted Clinton's proposals while Pals rejected it.

Israel will do nothing to change its settlement policies. Abbas will reject anything other than the road map-prescribed building halt. Fatah and Hamas will have a rapprochement. The 2-state proposals will be off the table within one year, and everything will be much worse.

What an interesting concept, the Palestinians who cry that they are under occupation, need to be given incentives to come to the table and talk peace? One would think that their leaders will be ready and willing to discuss peace and not use demands to torpedo peace talks. Why exactly is USA running after Abbas begging him to start negotiations? Why is USA asking Israel again to make further concession in order to induce Abbas to negotiate? The world has gone mad!!

It just doesn't make sense. Israel has absolutely no motivation to pursue peace, other than the fear that Palestine will. For Israel, ending the conflict means giving up the dreams of a greater Israel. There just isn't any motivation. Palestine should simply continue to pursue peace, and build their international relations while Israel settlers make an ass out of themselves.