Netanyahu: Israel will not be pushed to peace

As regards jerusalem you are not right ! All that you need to refer yourself to our jewish prayers ! We repeat our return to jerusalem in all our prayers and consider Jerusalem the centre of our prayers to G-d ! Now that G-d made it possible to have Jerusalem, the land that G-d made it possible for us to have back; giving this land back to another nation; will be just contrary to all our prayers and bring a serious hole in our prayers to G-d ! Jerusalem can't be other than part of the Jewish religion & the most serious ! Jerusalem can't be an independent part of the Jewish Religion. All you need to search that in our prayer books ! May G-d bless Jerusalem and all those who live in it ! Regards.

Please correct yourself ! Jerusalem survived 2000 years with the PRAYERS & HOPE to be the capital of the Jewish State. That what made Judaism exist & not the other way round ! To loose Jerusalem now will make all our prayers nonsense & that is what the enemies of the jews have always wanted. You might be a Jew yourself but I can't see that you have ever went to pray like the rest of us ! Day & night Jews pray to their return to Jerusalem ! How such prayers will be justified if Jews have Jerusalem and give it back ! The Arabs have only one mosque in Jerusalem and nothing more and they claim Jerusalem as their own when it is unlike the Jews Jerusalem is NOT the centre of their religion ! Just imagine Islam will give Macca to people of other religion ! Will it not be the same as the Jews give Jerusalem to people who are not Jewish. Sorry of your ignorance of the importance of Jerusalem to the majority of the Jewish people !

Actually stinky, #111 isn't mine Yes, prospects have broadened, they've done that quite a few times, then we go through the contactions and there go the prospects

So, you think the "Palestinians" should be given something other than "a ghetto like Gaza"? This "Gaza ghetto" was a good place to live, complete with homes, businesses, and gardens which were left intact BEFORE its current residents took control. In their hatred, they knocked down, burned, and otherwise destroyed their environment to use as a launching pad to kill Israeli's. And now you think Israel should give more of her land away so she can experience the benefits of the "peace" her neighbors so kindly give?

Please, dont talk nonsense! I am jewish, ierushalmit and my judaism is not being affected by arabs living in THEIR houses in Jerusalem or in Shuafat, or beit Hanina, or Rizme, give-me a break, it was never Jerusalem. Besides, millions of jews in the galut stay jews and Israel is not in danger. Time to leave Itzhak "Af Shaal" Shamir conception behind and move on with our neighboors. This approach of yours, Zealots, is the real problem. May be You prefere what any government in the past did: annexation that eventually wull lead to a bi-national state? A slow and peacefull destruction without weapons of the Jewish state?

Netanyahu seems to think that it's merely a battle of will between himself and Obama. Completely oblivious to the stronger expressions of dissatisfaction coming from Europe and the rest of the world. The imposition of a Palestinian state is becoming closer to reality on an almost daily basis. Thank you very much for your efforts, Bibi!

for Obama. Without Netanyahu's cooperation, the U.S. has complete justification to pursue the much more viable, and immediate, alternative of international recognition of the Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. The world does not NEED Israel's acquiescence to impose a solution, and indeed, after 40 years of Israel's extralegal activities in the occupied territories under the pretext of "security", it's become crystal clear that any expectation of a "negotiated agreement" are futile, and that the only alternative for a just resolution to the conflict is an imposed solution. Netanyahu and his thugs are doing more towards ending the occupation than they could ever imagine, as Israel's illicit hold on Palestinian territory grows ever more tenuous. For all its self-righteous bravado and arrogance, Israel can NOT withstand the overwhelming consensus of world pressure. The bubble is about to pop!

"Palestine" is a code word to destroy Israel.

on Palestinian lands, nothing else.

If the world were to say, ok Israel you really want Jerusalem you aquired it its yours,what would happen?The arab world would overpower Israel with vast numbers.The arabs would then say they won Israel fair and square ,we would say you cant aquire land through war ,they would say but Israel took part of our land through war and we won it back.the west has to be against occupation to save Israel and we can never ever allow Israel to keep Palestinian territoy.Save the Jewish nation ,make peace My Jewish friends,all that settler infrastructure would probably house all the refugees.I'm sure a deal could be made to let jews tour all holy sites.

All the land, money and weapons in the world are no cure for Israel's moral rot.

Correct. Israel will not be pushed to peace. Israel will not be dragged to peace. Israel will never allow peace. Israel has the Netanyah/Lieberman/Yishai government because it collectively believes that peace is the worst thing that could ever happen. How curious it is for an old timer like myself that remembers how in it's early decades, when there really was an existential threat to Israel, Israelis wanted nothing more than peace.

Here's a translation from what they say to what they mean: Bibi's "You can't impose peace" means "I sure hope Obama gets stopped politically before the pressure to agree to a U.S. plan gets so great that I have to join with Kadima or call a new election." Akaria's (#15) statement that "Jerusalem = Israel = Judaism" means "I conflate the cosmic with real estate, and if lots of people die as a result, I will blame the leftists." Mosdave (#7)'s "Israel is supposed to be a Western democracy and can't compare itself to the dictatorship" means "I'm not offended by oppression and don't much care what the Saudis do. What I care about is holding Jews up to the a standard high enough that they fail to reach it. Then I get to tell myself how moral I am. Give me a Palastinain suicide bomber and I'll go tsk, tsk. But give me an Israeli settler, and I experience the ecstacy of outrage. Just think of it, me, superior to Jews. That's just so cool." Hope the translation helps.

there are a few. one of them is yerushalayim, which became jerusalem in english. wherever english has gone it has taken the culturally accurate name for the place. the concept of a hebrew jerusalem is part of such cultures. there is another culture, much latter than hebrew, which arrived after the disintegration of the roman empire which calls it another name. it is time, mr. obama and others, that you realise the words that you use, indicate the city's origins, and indeed owners. for the english english amongst us i wonder if "till we have built al-quds in england's green and pleasant land", has the same cultural resonance. well if it does.... it's an oily one. :)

flows from the barrel of a gun. This despite CJ's holy "international law." The only way that Israel could lose the continuous war that has been raging since before 1948 is if they become demoralized and surrender. If Israel were to retreat back to the 1947 partition lines, there would be no Israel. If Israel were to retreat back to the 1967 lines, there would be no Israel. A contiguous west bank and gaza mean a non-contiguous Israel. The reason why there would be no Israel is because the Arabs/Muslims will still attack at some future point, because the Arabs/Muslims have never accepted the existence of a non-Muslim state in Israel, ever. That is why the Arabs/Muslims, and everyone else in the world, must accept Israel as a Jewish state. This would give some consolation that genocide wasn't being planned. Haaretz censors, have a good day.

for Obama. Without Netanyahu's cooperation, the U.S. has complete justification to pursue the much more viable, and immediate, alternative of international recognition of the Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. The world does not NEED Israel's acquiescence to impose a solution, and indeed, after 40 years of Israel's extralegal activities in the occupied territories under the pretext of "security", it's become crystal clear that any expectation of a "negotiated agreement" are futile, and that the only alternative for a just resolution to the conflict is an imposed solution. Netanyahu and his thugs are doing more towards ending the occupation than they could ever imagine, as Israel's illicit hold on Palestinian territory grows ever more tenuous. For all its self-righteous bravado and arrogance, Israel can NOT withstand the overwhelming consensus of world pressure. The bubble is about to pop!

Israel will be pushed into whatever..! The old saying goes that no matter how a Dog may be barking mad, it still recognise it's owner. So Israel will do as it's told or else....?!

Obama is not offering peace but suicide. Abbas like his predecessors has told his constitutents that he wants an end to the Zionist entity. Even if he wanted peace he could not deliver it. The US, the UN, the EU, have proven time and again that their promises of protection or even promises of even handed fairness are worthless. So what is Israel being offered? Not peace, but the opportunity to disarm while her enemies rearm, to make her borders less defensible, to surrender territory and the right of self defense, all in return for worthless promises. In short, the "opportunity" to make it easier for her enemies to destroy her once and for all r"l.

period. The pals have demonstrated it isn't peace they seek but, the end of Israel so they can steal it from the Jews for themselves and call it palestine. Aint gonna happen, ever. The pals will have to be content to 'cuddle ' w/ rockets instead of securing real peace for pals and their families w/o the Hamas terrorists or, the Fatah bunch of thugs who neither will speak to one another or Israel. Obama echoes' the Saudi Death Plan which was DOA before delivery. Take your change and leave.

if he thinks most Americans will stand by Obama's view of Israel. That is why we saw a BIPARTISAN welcome for Netanyahu from both Dem. Pelosi and Rep. Boehner. The US Congress knows that most Americans support Israel. As far as who can trust who... The Arabs/Muslims have been attacking Jews for over 60 years. They refuse to recognize the legitimacy of the Jewish state. This means that they cannot be trusted to engage in peaceful behavior, such as refraining from firing rockets into Israel or refraining from shooting at Israelis. All the "Palestinians" need do for peace is not attack Israel, then they will receive peace in turn. The US will support Israel, even if we have to be enemies of Europe. we bombed the s@#t out of Europe once and we will do it again. Kissing up to dictators and rascists, as the Europeans have demonstrated in the past, does not promote peace. PS- Haaretz censors Israel supporters like me, but publishes posts by people who call for war against Israel.

Wouldn't it be hypocritical of Israel to repeat the same line as the Arabs in 1947 of not accepting a peace process "forced" upon them from outside? Sometimes you need a mediator to bring about a compromise. Neither side can expect to get everything it wants. That is how it should be.

AND THANK G-D HE CHOSE ISRAEL AS HIS OWN PECULIAR TREASURE.

Abdallah, I am of the opinion that you do not understand the meaning of the word apartheid. Perhaps you should spend more time studying what the word means and analyzing those societies/cultures that have literally applied it.

to back up your accusations. How is Israel an apartheid state? Whatever your criteria, how do countries in the Arab & non-Arab world fare comparitively. I dare say that the Arab world, with some exceptions, is the most extreme example of dispicable apartheid states. Indeed, they go well beyond that by being oppressive, not just on religious lines, but on gender, sexual preference and many other lines. Show me an Arab country where minorities are part and parcel of the body politic to the extent that Arabs are in Israel, members of Parliament, judges, police, physician, professors and even members of the armed forces. I'm all ears Abdallah.

Sanctions, Embargoes, and Ostracism from the global community of civilized nations is the prescription for Israel's recovery from territorial kleptomania and apartheidmania.

The so-called peace process is about everything but peace. As a consequence, the real title should be: Israel will not be pushed to surrender to Arab jihad.

Of course Israel should maintain a military presence on its Jordanian border-- as in the border that separates Israel from Jordan not Palestine from Jordan. What an interesting interpretation of that two-state solution Mr. Netanyahu is so committed to.

Like all leaders before him, Netanyahu has no intention of reaching a peaceful solution. His main concern is the continued colonization of the occupied territories. A solution will have to be shoved down his throat.

Maybe Bibi thinks Israel can't be pushed to peace, but if the US, EU, UN and Russia push hard enough, Israel may have no other option. Despite his pretensions, Israel is a small and not that powerful nation.

Livni is unqualified at this time. Perhaps in ten years or 15 she will have enough experience. Bibi is a good PM and he should just do what Obama wants already and have peace, if not with the Arabs then at least with America.

G-d is letting each of us to choose to accept and submit to His Plan. The Scriptures are true, G-d is true and peace will come in His good time. He is not forcing peace or discord upon us, but peace will be the result. Who is going to choose to be on G-d's side? Shema Yisrael!

Amen!

and little Binyamin means it. However he will have to undertstand this, that picking a fight with Obama was, in the end, in Israel's interest. Peace will come and Israel will get internationaly recognized borders(Green Line). All thanks to Binyamin Netanyahu. Oh how the right wingers will love him then.

"Jerusalem is a matter equal to survival of judaism & Israel !" Israel perhaps. Judaism no! Judaism will continue to survive around the world as it has for the last 2000 years. Neither Judaism, nor Islam, nor Christianiy require a political institution to survive. Since the Assyrian conquest, some Jews have fought to establish/maintain a sovereign government. It has cost them dearly again, again. and yet again. But even if the present Israel collapses, Judaism will still be with us, anyway. But, as you say, "Jews have the right to fight alone!" So be it! Pray for peace in Jerusalem.

If an unreasonable Israeli elephant and a Palestinian mouse have a fight you simply cannot wait for them to make peace. You will need to force the elephant a bit.

comment on this, but ,,,,well you know.

We are living in a totally corrupt world ! Dogs eats dogs ! The small dogs chances of survival depends on the big dogs mercy ! The jews made themselves bigger than the world & with their willpower break the record of survival & establish themselves a proud country that it is now ! Now Israel is in a war not like any other war & against an enemy not like any other enemy. You nethanyahu must NOT be a leader like any other leader. A leader; the fate of his people & the country are both in your hands ! "Israel will not be pushed to peace. This only the short part of it! Israel must survive as a jewish state & its jewish people have the right to pray with total freedom to the god of their ancient jewish fathers. That is what israel is all about ! The only core issue & nothing less. The palestinians claim this land is their holy home. Those who made this land Holy are the Jews ! Something the world conveniently trying to forget !

You are finished, capput, just do what the master says and do not argue. Got it. Try not to come to Washington any time soo. You are not welcome.

"For that end, the PM [Netanyahu] reportedly said, Israel would have to retain a military presence along its eastern border with Jordan, adding that any agreement that doesn't allow for those measure will not be accepted." - Haaretz Here is what Netanyahu cannot imagine to give up, a no longer relevant issue. IDF forces on the Jordan river were supposed to block Iraqi tanks from flooding in. Saddam is now deceased, Iraq has a weak army no longer a threat to anybody other than Iraqis. The US removed Saddam with the enthusiastic support from Israel and its Amen Gallery (the only country enthused about this, other than Iran - which kept quiet). The US paid a heavy price, and now Netanyahu says: It didn't matter to us, we still want protection from Iraq or no peace. And if the US suffers attacks for it, tough! I would have called Netanyahu an imbecile, except that Likud just remembers the past, "whatever there was, will be. The future's so hard to see", so let's hang on to the past.

Your cooporation would be highly appreciated, thank you very much, but it is not required.

It is measured by democratic principles, transparency is one, and equal rights for all are another and so. I do accept Israel is not Little America but please stop proclaiming Israel to be the only democracy in the Middle East. It is not. Israel is more a junta type regime with some democratic institutions for the purpose of prima facia only.

Doesn't Israel want peace? We have been waiting for decades for Israel to take the lead, but all they have taken was the land.

Well, since a 60+ push has not helped, maybe Israel needs a shove towards peace.

"He`s [Netanyahu] an embarassment to decent Jews everywhere." He is also an embarassment to decent non-Jews everywhere who love Israel.

'Netanyahu added that his government made 1,500 decisions in the past year, but said he wasn't going to go into detail on them. ' Interesting number. If he'd said 'a thousand,' we'd know he'd pulled the number out of a hat. Saying, '1,724' would have made matters even worse. But '1,500'? He's a clever boy. Thinks on his feet. The funny bit is that he's going to wind up vilified by everyone on all sides -- but from a strictly selfish point of view, he's probably the ideal leader for Israel right now. You'd be in serious trouble with Sharon -- and might be cornered into making something other than the best deal possible with Rabin.

Netanyahu seems to think that it's merely a battle of will between himself and Obama. Completely oblivious to the stronger expressions of dissatisfaction coming from Europe and the rest of the world. The imposition of a Palestinian state is becoming closer to reality on an almost daily basis. Thank you very much for your efforts, Bibi!

No kidding, more likely it will need to be dragged kicking and screaming.

"What accomplishments [etc]". Of course! His accomplishments just prove that the world is filled with anti-semitic cretins who lack the intelligence to agree with Netanyahu.

Many are wondering what happened to all that money that went missing in Madoff's ponzi scheme racket, and Lehman Brothers. America's annual $3 billion aid package to Israel, is the cornerstone to Israel's regional "economic power" building... doesn't matter that the poor American sucker taxpayers are being turfed out of their homes on a daily basis and schools, are closing due to tough times in America!

Bibi and his ultra-religeous and fascist psrtners have turned Israel into a rogue state, a state increasingly shunned by the world community. Why? Because the world has finally come to understand that this government does not want peace. To the contrary, it wants to continue the status quo. The Americans either need to impose a settlement or cease all support of this government.

Netanyahu: "we must free the economy from bureaucracy" Kadima: "the crushing failure of the most over-sized and wasteful government in Israel's history." So Netanyahu won't initiate peace; he won't be pushed to peace, either. Stalemate. So how long before he and his oversized and wasteful coalition is dumped?

The vast majority of the American people are ignorant dolts (ie Natallie Durson). They actually think the Middle East was a land of peace and universal harmony until Israel "occupied" Gaza and the West Bank in 1967. To most Americans 1956 was just another year. They have no concept that as a result of terrorism Israel "occupied" Gaza and the West Bank then gave it back "in exchange" for peace but there was no peace. Washington, as well as the voters of this current administration, think if Israel would only pull back to the "pre 1967 borders" there will be peace. They think in these terms because 1956 doesn't exist in their worldview.

I just might vote 'Bibi'. He is offering peace with security. This is different than the wishy washy politicians who want to do America's bidding. We live in a 'tough neighborhood'. Bibi is offering a 'two state solution 'with security, not with risks, in order to satisfy Obama.

we have ways to make you like it

That right listen to seth ... if you want Israel to end up as a greasy pile of ash that no one can visit for 20,000 years

Huh? There's some 'other', Eastern-European czar-style version of democracy out there? The obfuscated, closed-room deals you are touting were just as crooked in Sverdlovsk as they were in Chicago!

that Israel has higher standards. If you want to copy Saudi Arabia, then say so.

Perish the thought! How horrible it would be living in peace with your neighbors, being recognized for positive contributions to world affairs! How awful it would be to convert some military expenditures to investment in productive enterprises! A real nightmare! No wonder your government is opposed.

Just stall until the November elections. The dems will be voted out. But regardless any agreement that dictates where Jews can and cannot live is completely unacceptable. Now that would be racial discrimination, would'nt it? It works both ways.

There is one thing that you guys don't understand. Israel was founded by Eastern European Jews with a czarist mentality. Secrecy is the norm. Transparency doesn't exist in our system, alttough maybe more-so now than then.. This has been since the days of Ben-Gurion and Mapai. Our democracy is Eastern European democracy, not Western democracy. Even Golda who grew up in Milwaukee, and Bibi who grew up in Philadelphia became part of the system. Face the fact. We are not a 'little America'.

You and Benjamin and most educated people know that it is not an option to ethnically cleans East Jerusalem or for ever hold Palestinians under occupation. You know Jerusalem is big enough for both of you.

Are you all bunch of idiots? I think so: Obama is ANTI-ISRAEL. He's a black Nationalist. He learned his Jew hatred from the reverend Jeremiah Wright. for 20 years. Now, he "condemns" Israel for building apartments and looks the other way when Iran builds a bomb with a Tel Aviv address on it? Wise up, you idiots --YOU are Czechloslavakia in 1938 and ONLY Bibi and Likud 'get it'. Get smart, real quick and get behind Bibi and "just say no" to Obama and his thugs.

Expect a peace intiiative by Bibi,(if still here) in about 2+ years when the 450km "barrier" or "wall" or "fence" or "separation" is finished. By then, we will have carved out of the West Bank and Jerusalem that which we desire, just as Ariel designed it. Will it lead to peace? Perhaps, initially, then I predict all hell will break out in the middle east with no end in sight.

The view from Obama's office: Kyrgyzstan's puppet pro-US government has just collapsed. Afghanistan is floundering. Iraq is sinking into terror attacks as daily fair... The US is sinking fast. And now when Obama needs to show progress on the peace front, Netanyahu is throwing a big tantrum about Biblical rights and red lines...yeah...great timing... How many US votes are supporting the Israel hard-line right now? What does Obama need?

The annexation of East Jerusalem was declared ILLEGAL by UNSC Resolution 252 (1968)of 21 May 1968 UNSC Resolution 267 (1969) of 3 July 1969 UNSC Resolution 271 (1969) of 15 September 1969, UNSC Resolution 298 (1971) of 25 September 1971, UNSC Resolution 465 (1980) of 1 March 1980, UNSC Resolution 476 (1980) of 30 June 1980 And yet, Israel defies the International Community.

This for all of you who wish to see evil and hide from the good. Obama have a vision, Bibi will deliver Hell and that is a fact. Regardless of the amount of love you have for Isreal. The fact is: The global opinion is shifting against us. day after day the world is discovering more about who is who ! Now we can sit here and argue about who is going to have the last word. or We can not live forever bashing everyone who is against our policies. Yesterday the stinky French and the stupid Russians. Today the dumass cowboys. what is next !!! We keep it up, we will have everyone against us. Bibi, I have an advice for you, quit and quit now ! let the Blonde take over. she maybe able to do some good.

tell the truth to all. Its getting time to show to the world that idols cannot see, and cannot talk. Dont be ashamed of God , he loved you, didnt he? This is ALL about the real God. Blessed is the name of the Lord.

At the same time, Bibi is challenging the world and breaking international laws by his policies, he's also fooling his people. He keeps talking about security arrangements and put them as barriers for any peace initiative. Israelis form inside shall realize this game by Bibi. His anti-peace policies will just drive the region into war. Israeli people and those leader who aspire for peace with their neighbors shall stand against Bibi. They should be motivated by the many raised by the dearest friends of Israel. The people of Israel should push the government towards peace. There are so many people in BOTH sides who look for peace and security, so don't let politicians to neglect our aspirations.

Give us your money, (land), or we will kill you.

"" Were Israel to withdraw to the 1948 armistice boundaries (or even the 1947 partition lines) what assurance could you give that Israel would be left in peace by its neighbors and the Muslim world in general to exist as a Jewish state? I think that we all know the answer to that. "" Of course we know the answer. Suitable security arrangements are negotiated between Israel and Palestine and other neighboring states. It's that simple. So simple, in fact, that this is precisely why Israel won't agree to a comprehensive withdrawal...if they did, peace would ensue and they wouldn't have endless security related reasons to subjagate an other people.

"If the Israel & Judaism survival depends on Jerusalem, it is not a matter of argument . It is a matter ONLY for israel to be free to decide." Hysterical nonsense! Judaism survived as one of the world's religions for 2.5 thousand years before Israel was founded in 1948. Religions do not need temples to survive, let alone cities. Your view of Judaism is very primitive. In any case, most Israeli Jews are secular. Secondly, Israel, a political state, does not decide anything at all as far as Judaism is concerned. Thirdly, you are wrongly conflating Jews with Israelis. Half the world's Jews do not live in Israel and do not want to. You apparently live in London! I assume that is your choice.

Well that about says it all, doesn't it. Here's your country, but by the way, I'll be stationing troops in it. Don't like it, well then no peace. Some choice!!!! Palestinians don't agree, no surprise Then the Israelies can throw up their hands, rent their clothes, and lament at how the Pals don't want peace.

Israel is the last holdout to a comprehensive peace in the immediate region....Is this what a peave loving says: We won't be pushed into peace... How about you pursue peace in serious way without being pushed?

That means he is doing his job quite well. Business people know that if everyone likes a particular manager, he is a failure. The move toward the right is the recognition by the Israeli majority that the Pals are never going to take any steps toward settlement, and further concessions are pointless. Abbas would have to do something completely out of the box. Like sit down with Netanyahu and draw lines together on a map.

to the point: no agreement as long as bibi is in office. everyone doubts, serious talks on an agreement are possible with him. the US also said, they wont attack iran, as long as there is an issue open, which might lead to iran counterattacking israel and the arab league joining in - leaving the US probably with not many international allies. they cant do this. so... who will you vote ? the US president said: 24 month maximum. it wont be possible to avoid an agreement. the only question: what way to get there ?

" Israel would have to retain a military presence along its eastern border with Jordan." I am opposed to this idea. The IDF will not be posted to defend the Pal state against infiltration, for example by Hizbollah or Iran Netanyahu is right. no peace will be imposed on us without the Kotel under Israeli control.

Mr. Netanyahu, a person that does not want peace, like yourself and the rest of your criminal government, can never be pushed to peace. The only way you know how to live is by making wars and inflicting suffering on others, including the citizens of Israel. But you can be sure of one thing, peace will come, hopefully soon, and when it does I hope you and all of your government members will still be alive so we can bring you all to justice and punish you with such misery that will mkae you wish you died at birth.

Obama's outspoken criticism against Israel has emboldened Israel's enemies in an unprecedented way. Turkey is threatening Israel and Jordan is having second thoughts about its peace treaty with Israel. Unfortunately, this may all be in Israel's favor. Whereas in the past, the US's friendly alliance with Israel allowed them to gently pressure Israel into risky concessions, Obama's hostile approach is causing the vast majority of Israelis to distrust Obama and his new Mid East policies. Israel will not make any concessions to a US government they distrust. Obama is now curtailing arms sales to Israel to stop them from attacking Iran. This reckless policy may force Israel to use unconventional weapons if left without the conventional alternative. This will then create a nuclear arms race in the Middle East greatly compromising American interests.

Stop dictating conditions for Israel's existence from London. Israel had no problem achieving statehood without East Jerusalem. It had no problem building state institutions with only West Jerusalem as its capital and lived that way for 19 years without problems. World Judaism survived for much longer than that with very limited access to Jerusalem. Sharing Jerusalem with a Palestinian state will not endanger Judaism. It is bullying and evicting defenseless, stateless people in order to achieve an impossible dream that is endangering Judaism and calling into question the basic tenets of Judaism most of us were brought up with.

Damn right Israel will not be pushed, it will throw a tantrum and end up being dragged kicking and screaming to the negotiating table where peace will be rammed down it's throat. If Obama/the Quartet/Arab League/UN come up with a deal that international public opinion gauges fair, Israeli's will either have to accept or be exposed as the refuseniks we all know they are. In other words if the two children can't play nice daddy Obama will give them a time out and send them to their rooms. It's about time.

You are making a big excuse yourself. What more assurances you must have from the Arab world? Egypt and Jordan signed treaties with Israel, recognising it, the Arab peace plan recognises it, what more do you want? Let's turn it around, what assurance can be given to the Palestinians that Israel does not meddle in their affairs? None, and again, history has shown that Israel's track record is not too good in keeping its promises, such as Irael's commitment of the Road Map. Assurance is the wrong footing, you'd trust your neighbors. A treaty with the Palestinians given them their a full and viable state (not a ghetto like Gaza) is the best assurance ....

Israel has shown quite clearly that they are not interested in peace at all. Or at the very least, if they are, that it will come at such a high price for the Palestinians that it would be a Pyrrhic victory. Don't understand what I mean? Look a close look at what Israel truly wanted in their "peace plans."

Nobama and his cronies do not speak for all Americans.

Is Israel by itself intending to make peace? History is not on its site. And pushing 'settlements' in the West Bank is also not a solution. This farce majeur is getting more and more hilarious. What a joke!

Peter writes that "the horrible conduct of your neighbors is no excuse. It's time to stop pointing fingers at the arabs." Peter, if the Arabs had not been trying, essentially continuously, since 1948 to destroy Israel, including wars, an indisputable and constant series of terror acts, Israel would not have to defend its existence. Bottom line: Were Israel to withdraw to the 1948 armistice boundaries (or even the 1947 partition lines) what assurance could you give that Israel would be left in peace by its neighbors and the Muslim world in general to exist as a Jewish state? I think that we all know the answer to that.

Rich, My understanding is that Israel does want to be treated differently than its neighbors-- it wants to be treated as a member of the democratic world that does not discriminate against citizens based on religion. Consequently, pointing out that "THEY DO IT TOO!" is not particularly convincing as an argument from a state that is meant to be a western democracy, is it?

If you have two sides that disagree, and you take a view that falls between them, then you're hated by both sides rather than bringing the two sides closer together. The more issues there are, there more political enemies you have.

for Obama. Without Netanyahu's cooperation, the U.S. has complete justification to pursue the much more viable, and immediate, alternative of international recognition of the Palestinian state within the 1967 borders. The world does not NEED Israel's acquiescence to impose a solution, and indeed, after 40 years of Israel's extralegal activities in the occupied territories under the pretext of "security", it's become crystal clear that any expectation of a "negotiated agreement" are futile, and that the only alternative for a just resolution to the conflict is an imposed solution. Netanyahu and his thugs are doing more towards ending the occupation than they could ever imagine, as Israel's illicit hold on Palestinian territory grows ever more tenuous. For all its self-righteous bravado and arrogance, Israel can NOT withstand the overwhelming consensus of world pressure. The bubble is about to pop!

put an end to the settlement, and let the Palestinians have their freedom and independent on their own land with peace , integrity, and security. Lets have Palestine free from Israel occupation army and settlement & settlers, so it can live side by side with Israel as good neighbors. I am not interesting in coparing the ME government with the Netenyahu right wing government. We all know Most of the Arabic governments are a dictatorships, but we also know that the Netenyahu is the most extreme israel govenment in the history of Israel; nevertheless, the types of governments here are not the Issue. Please, lets all focus to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine and have peace between the two peoples. Thank yuo

I'm afraid I lost your logic there ol'Case. Exactly what is your justification for Israeli apartheid and oppression (which I notice you did not deny)?

Raanana and Savion. Let's see how many members of Kadima will still support the "Bambi Peace Plan" which they are now trying to force Netanyahu to accept

When it is a matter of survival the choice is obvious ! It is for obama to understand; there is no israel & judaism without jerusaledm. Obama asking netanyahu to accept something which is not in the hands of any prime minister to accept. Asking the impossible is only impossible. Obama has to look at the reality by being himself in natenyahu's shoes & let himself draw the right conclusions. It is fair that the U.S must not be and must not allow itself to be the reason of the end of Israel & for many, the end of the jewish religion. The matter of life & death of any country must be left for that country to decide & not any foreign country to decide & command . If the Israel & Judaism survival depends on Jerusalem, it is not a matter of argument . It is a matter ONLY for israel to be free to decide. Jews have the right to fight alone !

Bibi's sleazy govt loves the immoral status quo: apartheid, collective punishment, and ethnic cleansing in East Jerusalem. He's an embarassment to decent Jews everywhere.

...criticised (curiously, it seems, most often by the good folks in his own coalition) for continuing to seek a way out of a clearly sticky impasse. What his critics are unaware of, however, is that not too long ago he had this dream, and in it he was standing on the beach, diligently drawing lines in the sand, when he happened to look up and see what looked like a big-ass wave bearing down on him... (Of course, it was only a dream, but there are unconfirmed reports that Mr. Netanyahu keeps a copy of Freud's book on dream interpretation in the middle drawer of his office desk.)

Simply put, you can't tell others how to keep their house while yours is the shame of the neighborhood If Abadalla wants to tell Israel how to do things, he should cite an Arab example for Israel to emulate Abdalla writes a lot, mainly nonsense

Jerusalem isn't a "Settlement", it's the captol of Israel But, of course you wouldn't know that, you're still pretending to be an expert from the remote land of Australia BTW-When are you returning your land to the Aboriginies, the rightful owners??

The horrible conduct of your neighbors is no excuse! It's time to stop pointing fingers at the arabs and start taking a long, hard look in the mirror.

**in office? What accomplishments? Humiliating the Turkish ambassador? Making a fool of Joe Biden? Irritating Obama? Infuriating London, Paris, Berlin, Rome and Sydney over the business of copying foreign passports to engage in criminal activities? Triggering a unanimous international condemnation over the planned constructions in East Jerusalem?** --- BEFORE marie and Marie-Antoinette, there was ISrael. DURING marie and Marie-Antoinette, there is Israel. AFTER marie and Marie-Antoinette, there will be Israel. Israel IS REAL. marie and Marie-Antoinette are FICTIONS!

You seem to forget where the UN is located. America is "bluffing" you right now if you believe what you say. This country IS headed in a new direction, and away from the direction you believe should be followed. Our position can only strengthen our power. To let go of allies in Israel would be to gain the rest of the Middle East as allies. Our resolve in Israel is the only thing that can ever stall us.

The road of Leftism is the same road that Chamberlain followed to Israel's detriment. Netanyahu is right in defending and protecting Israel's sovereignty and national security interests. No external entities should be playing king on Israel. The Land of Israel is GOD-GIVEN and GOD-RESTORED to the Children of Israel. No Pagan usurpers should be allowed to meddle in Israel's internal affairs.

... as if that koshers all illegal enterprises... ... as if it were a 'respectable' recommendation, not merely an act of piracy in-broad-daylight... ... as if something that is anathema to all decent folk, can be smothered with in chutzpa and allowed to pass...

and we dont want the war in iraq or afghan...both waste of money time and effort....as far as your little zio-entity we could care less...time to support yourselves...we are not your keeper and are tired of funding your wars and occupation...sink or swim

Why is it that you always use the verb "claim" in reference to arab attitude to Jerusalem and use the verb "consider" when it is in regards to lsraeli sentiments? lt indicates to me, that you, the editors of Haaretz, feel there is a stronger, if not more valid, arab entitlement than jewish. Please do not censor this comment.

With no cooperation from Netanyahu, neither willing nor coerced, US no longer in much of a position to influence the direction of politics in the middle east. Obama will focus on troop withdrawal from Iraq and claim that as a victory, while allowing Iran to redraw the maps in the ME.

in office? What accomplishments? Humiliating the Turkish ambassador? Making a fool of Joe Biden? Irritating Obama? Infuriating London, Paris, Berlin, Rome and Sydney over the business of copying foreign passports to engage in criminal activities? Triggering a unanimous international condemnation over the planned constructions in East Jerusalem?

Regime that most of its actions is not known to the public is a dark regime not an open democracy. His statements alone sheds more light on the type of regime Israel currently has. It is a great cause of alarm.

"Netanyahu: Israel, U.S. still don't agree on East Jerusalem build" An odd statement, because this was all agreed to back in 2003. Road Map: "Israel also freezes all settlement activity, consistent with the Mitchell report." Road Map: "Consistent with the Mitchell Report, GOI freezes all settlement activity (including natural growth of settlements)." The Likud Prime Minister of Israel signed that Road Map, and the Likud-dominated Knesset ratified that signature. Vienna Convention of the law of treaties: an agreement signed by the Prime Minister and ratified by the Parliament is LEGALLY BINDING. There is simply nothing to argue about i.e. the deal has already been done. All we are seeing now is Netanyahu insisting that a BINDING AGREEMENT be abandoned merely because it is inconvenient to him i.e. he is arguing that an Israeli signature on an agreement is not worth the paper is is written on. Not good, Bibi. Not good at all.

Maybe you can tell us why Abdalla, who can logically assumed to be American from his post, needs to justify the governments of Arab states before he can criticize Israel? I don't see why Israel's benchmarks for good governance are the ME states. I thought it was supposed to be a beacon of democracy and freedom in ME. If it's standards are Gaza and dictatorships/autocracies/theocracies of the majority of the ME then it’s fallen a long way.

Israels governments are so used to American tolerance of their aggressive activities, even when they counter American policy, that the Israelis literally don't know how to react to a strong dissent from America. Even when there were moderate disagreements in the past, Israel always seemed to get by them and continue as before. Proof? Israel is been expanding settlements for three decades. Every sort of Israel government, right, left, and center has continued the settlement expansion process. The settlements have been against American policy for the entire time. Still, the Israelis built and the Americans showered them with money, weapons, and political support. Even when it was discovered that Israel had American Jews spying on them and stealing their most sensitive documents, the unlimited support continued without a hiccup. Finally an American president says NO! No wonder Israelis don't know how to react.

Israel is leading the region to war by its racist policy of dispossesion and by letting its government be run by religious fanatics who believe in divine right over democratic law. Netanyahu is a catastrophe. Hopefully, in Septmeber we will find the US administration supporting the declaration of an independent Palestine in East Jerusalem and all of the WB. Israel will have to be sanctined by the international community. This is the only option to allowing Israel lead the region to another war.

In that sense his government is like Sunbeam bread, baked while you are asleep. No wonder he is not going into details. 1500 decisions of isolation.

"Bottom line: You and many others here want Israel held to a different standard than anyone else in the Middle East. And, residents of those other lands would likely meet with imprisonment or worse were they to agitate for the rights that you assert are denied to your brethren in Israel." Well Ol' Case, I agree Israel in no better than those nasty Arab regimes. All of you need a lesson in democracy as there is not even one democracy in the Middle East.

If this is god Israeli governance I hate to see a bad one!

Natanyahu is one of the most dishonest and deceitful leaders in the world. I really think he gets a thrill out of blatant lies and deception!!! His main objective is to keep his current coalition at any cost (e.g. Lieberman as FM, really, COME ON BIBI, please).

What?! "the public is unaware of most of the actions" undertaken by the government?! What friarim would believe that! Reminds me of the schoolyard joke about the kid snapping his fingers to keep away elephants.

Abdalla: You seem to spend a fair amount of time on this Board so I assume that you are rather knowledgeable about what you write. Please explain to us which specific Arab governments are open to citizenship and full religious rights for Jews. Tell us in which of those neighboring lands Jews may own (or not own) real estate. Bottom line: You and many others here want Israel held to a different standard than anyone else in the Middle East. And, residents of those other lands would likely meet with imprisonment or worse were they to agitate for the rights that you assert are denied to your brethren in Israel. I have raised this question several times before but never receive a cogent response, even when the censor sees fit to publish my proposed post.

the examples of good governance in arabia....apologies to myself for wasting time replying to yr nonsense

this is the government of action, of course. the government of brutal actions, criminal actions, destabilizing actions.

He pissed off his benefactor (USA) and now is treated like the scumbag he is.

he uses the personal pronoun far too often.benjamim has no one taught you how to behave?do i need to spell it out to you benjamin? modesty is a blessing in and of itself.now do you understand?