• Published 00:56 26.08.10
  • Latest update 00:56 26.08.10

Palestinians to U.S.: Israeli settlement freeze must include East Jerusalem

Palestinians submit document they say refutes Netanyahu's claims that the government has no authority to freeze construction on private land.

By Akiva Eldar

The Palestinian Authority has told the U.S. administration that an Israeli commitment to continuing the freeze on settlement construction must include East Jerusalem.

Jewish neighborhood in East Jerusalem

Jerusalem's Har Homa neighborhood in 2008.

Photo by: Emil Salman

During preparatory talks ahead of the summit due in Washington next week, the Palestinians made it clear they refuse to accept any softer formula on the building freeze. They expect that even after the September 26 deadline, when the 10-month moratorium ends, the United States will support their demand to continue the ban on all construction outside the Green Line, including in the settlement blocs.

The Palestinian negotiating team, headed by Saeb Erekat, delivered to the Americans an opinion prepared by Israeli jurists. The Palestinians say this paper proves that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claims that the government has no authority to freeze construction on private land are unfounded.

A source familiar with the exchanges with the United States said last night that for now the Americans have not changed their attitude regarding the building freeze. The source says the Americans are not inclined to adopt the compromise proposed by Deputy Prime Minister Dan Meridor that would see construction continue in large settlement blocs but not in isolated settlements.

Another recycled proposal was made by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman: to allow settlement construction based on natural growth.

The source expressed the hope that U.S. President Barack Obama will be able to convince Abbas to soften his stance on Meridor's proposal. This would come in return for an American agreement to take steps on the ground that would improve the Palestinians' quality of life.

Among the steps being considered is the transfer of land from Area C, which is under Israeli control, to Area B. This would assist in efforts by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to build institutions for an independent state.

A senior Israeli political source told Haaretz last night that in recent talks with most ministers from the Likud party, it is clear that if Netanyahu proposes unprecedented compromises on a settlement freeze and continues pulling out from most of the territories, he will enjoy broad support from the party leadership.

At the same time, ministers from the Labor Party are applying pressure on party chairman Ehud Barak to leave the coalition if Netanyahu turns toward the extreme right and clashes with Obama next month.

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  • 38. 0 0
    Palestinains should grab the opportunity NOW
    • Chafeeka
    • 26.08.10
    • 10:33

    The true is that Obama administration has been hostile to Israel since the beginning and certainly going against the will of most Americans who support Israel. Consequently, We do not wonder about the recent bullying actions of those Muslims, Arabs, and Palestinians who want to destroy Israel. But should we be surprised about those actions????? By the way: "obamas one and done wrote: Obama’s books: Dreams Of My Father, Audacity of Hope From ‘Dreams Of My Father’, “THE PERSON WHO MADE ME PROUDEST OF ALL, THOUGH, WAS MY [half brother], ROY..HE CONVERTED TO ISLAM”. From ‘Dreams of my Father’, “IN INDONESIA, I SPEND TWO YEARS AT A MUSLIM SCHOOL” “..I STUDIED THE KORAN..” From ‘Audacity of Hope: “LOLO (Obama’s step father) FOLLOWED ISLAM....”I LOOKED TO LOLO FOR GUIDANCE”. From ‘The Audacity Of Hope, “I WILL STAND WITH THE MUSLIMS SHOULD THE POLITICAL WINDS OF WAR SHIFT IN AN UGLY DIRECTION..” There are much more in Obama's books..... One thing is sure, Israel will not tolerate any imminent threat to its security. Just like in 1948, when 4 Arab armies attacked Israel the following day of its independence, Israel will respond RESOLUTELY with or without the support of Barack Hussein Obama.

  • 37. 0 0
    Haaretz, where are the other posts?
    • Cipora Julianna Kohn
    • 26.08.10
    • 10:24

  • 36. 0 1
    The only aim of peace talk is a war with Iran.
    • Joseph
    • 26.08.10
    • 10:24

    US and Israel must "accommodate" Arabs and muslim world and prepare them for a war with Iran. Abbas agrees of course because Hamas would be finished without Iran's support. Israel agrees because of Hezbollah also finished without Iranian support. This of course has nothing to do with a nuclear Iran. It's only Israel interests which are so important to the American congress. It's evident that these peace talks will lead nowhere.

  • 35. 1 0
    Who has the upper hand?
    • Palestinian Brit
    • 26.08.10
    • 10:19

    The Palestinians no longer believe that Israel wants peace so the concept is pretty well dead in the water as far as they are concerned. If it happens, all well and good, but certainly not at any price. Settlements must stop for good or we don't want to proceed. We are used to checkpoints and arrogant Israeli soldiers and Settlers. Let them stick with the label of being the last nasty occupation left n the world.

  • 34. 1 1
    Yes, Yaakov
    • Mark of Lewiston
    • 26.08.10
    • 10:18

    The US does expect the Palestinians to sit down and hammer out a deal. Israel is just creating more pain for its settlers to concede when they bulldoze, like in Sinai and Gaza. Its is a habit of Israeli politicians so they can moan and cover their faces in ashes as they see the housing and shops bulldozed because Israel won't allow any Jews to live under Palestinian law. The politicians can then don their sack cloth and cover their faces in fake ashes. And be reelected and collect fees and "campaign contributions" for building more on the Golan. and on the Shebaa Farms.

  • 33. 0 0
    Palestinian mind games
    • Cipora Julianna Kohn
    • 26.08.10
    • 09:46

    the palestinians will inexorably continue their mind games. they most definitely do not want a state. indeed, they do not even want talks which might lead to a process that would end in a palestinian state.

  • 32. 0 0
    Palestinian Arabs, careful what you demand and wish for
    • CM
    • 26.08.10
    • 09:43

    I caution the Palestinian, so far everybody bowed to all you wishes now, you want further wants that is freeze on E Jerusalem reminds me of a greedy wife in Pushkin's story about a Fisherman and a gold fish. Im afraid if Abbas doesnt stop, he will end up in square ONE as the fisherman's wife! an old man and woman have been living poorly for many years. They have a small hut, and every day the man goes out to fish. One day, he throws in his net and pulls out seaweed two times in succession, but on the third time he pulls out a golden fish. The fish pleads for its life, promising any wish in return. However, the old man does not want anything, and lets the fish go. When he returns and tells his wife about the golden fish, she gets angry and tells her husband to go ask the fish for a new washboard (their washboard is broken), and the fish happily grants this small request. The next day, the wife asks for a new house, and the fish grants this also. Then, in succession, the wife asks for a palace, to become the ruler of her province, to become the QUEEN , and finally to become the Ruler of Sea, to subjugate the golden fish completely to her boundless will. As the man goes to ask for each item, the sea becomes more and more stormy, until the last request, where the man can hardly hear himself think. When he asks that his wife be made the Ruler of the Sea, the fish CURES HER GREED by putting her back in the old cottage and giving back the broken washboard. The moral of the story is: do not get too greedy, or you will end up with nothing.

  • 31. 0 0
    Palestinians are trying to make talks fail before they begin
    • zionist forever
    • 26.08.10
    • 09:32

    Everybody knows that Bibi will never be able to deliver that. If he even agreed to only build 1 house instead of 2 it would bring down the government. That means no talks even take place because there is nobody to talk to in Israel. Even if we had an election and Livni won it she will still nee alot of those same faces in Bibis coalition to form one herself and she would have to accept the same terms as Bibi does if she wants a coalition. As long as Israel has a coalition based system then small parties will always hold the balance of power because they are there to join coalitions to influence policy. We have also heard alot of demands from palestinians but what have they actually offered so far? Everytime Israel makes a gesture like the current freeze Abbas says its not enough I am not going to talk to Israel Obama tell Bibi to give me more or else I will not even sit down and talk. Its Abbas who has been playing hard to get for over a year now. If Obama was smart he would say to Abbas Jerusalem is to complicated an issue to deal with at this stage so we will hold 2 sets of talks the first will be about getting you guys a state and after that we will hold new talks on Jerusalem alone. As long as Jerusalem is a condition of any deal then we are never going to reach one. We are still talking about the old fashioned failed oslo format and thats why its now been 17 years since oslo was signed which was supposed to create an arab state by 1995. Instead of looking for a package deal approach things on an individual basis some issues will take a very long time to reach an agreement and there will be break downs but instead of it being all or nothing they would at least make progress.

  • 30. 61 1
    The comments again show us the level of ignorance of those who support the illegal acquisition of Palestinian territory
    • CJ
    • 26.08.10
    • 09:17

    One only has to look at the information they're dependent on. Wholly holey olde Hasbara. No wonder Israel is unable to extricate itself from the mess it has made without it's greatest fear becoming a reality. Civil War. A huge percentage of Israeli's are unwittingly (or willingly in some instances) living OUTSIDE of Israel's actual Sovereignty, in territories of the non-state entity of Palestine. http://wp.me/pDB7k-tM They're kept ignorant by the Israeli Government, who doesn't dare put some of the most important documents relating to Israel's actual sovereignty on it's web site http://wp.me/pDB7k-sa It reiterates via the likes of Lieberman, the fear mongering "Demographic threat" twaddle http://wp.me/pDB7k-m1 Israel can't afford peace. It'd cost too much. In order to have peace, Israel must withdraw from non-sovereign territories it has illegally acquired. The cost of reparations and resettlement of Israeli citizens would send Israel to the wall. In ignorance we have comments like "What does the Palestinian side have to offer in return? " Well, nothing. They have NOTHING of Israel's except one soldier, a POW of the war started under Plan Dalet and inherited by Israel the moment it became a Sovereign state. A war Israel has waged for 62 years in order to colonize Palestine http://wp.me/pDB7k-l5

  • 29. 1 0
    Pals have the USA over a barrell
    • Yohai
    • 26.08.10
    • 09:10

    That was easy because Americans are so afraid of Muslims. Israel is not, but could also threaten to walk away from the negotiations.

  • 28. 0 0
    Palestinian Stupidity
    • Josiah Jacob Ben David
    • 26.08.10
    • 08:38

    If one gives Palestinians the Sun and the Moon they will also demand the stars ! This is not going to happen. They are their own worst enemies. They will go the way of the N. American Plains Indians in the 19th century. There is not a country in the world that would put up with them.

  • 27. 0 0
    Time to get rid of Erekat
    • Fredy Ross
    • 26.08.10
    • 08:22

    He has never changed his tune and never will. Why this meeting without first having Fatah and Hamas at the table and Gilad Shalit back home with his family. Jerusalem should remain in Israel's hands and then all faiths will have free access to the holy sites.

    • 0 0
      Time to get rid of Netanyahu
      • Allegra
      • 26.08.10
      • 10:39

      Bibi's alliance with ahrd right wing and settler parties has only helped block peace and destroy Israel's image in the world. Why a peace meeting as long as the Israeli government develops illegal settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank?

    • 0 0
      Dubai Solution Fredy
      • Mark of Lewiston
      • 26.08.10
      • 10:41

      Even I know where he'll be on September 2. IAA remodel of the Holy Sepulcher as an example?

  • 26. 0 0
    Palestinians
    • Can
    • 26.08.10
    • 08:14

    They just want Israel to stay ın their side. That's all. But Israel thinks being invaders is more important than anything.

  • 25. 0 0
    This should be a default pre Israeli announcement
    • Osama
    • 26.08.10
    • 08:06

    ...if and only if Israel is serious, willing to make peace, and also wants success to these negotiations. What the world recognizes as occupied and supports being a capital for a Palestinian state should be secured either at the beginning or the end of any negotiations. Israel being the occupying power shall be pushed towards this to achieve peace. I support any decision, and I think all Pals will, to not be involved in any negotiations without such clear basis i.e. E. Jerusalem, settlements. Then both parties can discuss the specifics and agree on them. I would also support no negotiations if it is with bibi and liberman who represent an extreme in Israel. Peace will never be achieved without Jerusalem!

  • 24. 0 0
    Just Say "No"
    • Mark of Lewiston
    • 26.08.10
    • 07:59

    And if talks fail and the PA collapses, you get to continue occupying forever. They won't moved. You'll have to expel them at gunpoint, maybe shooting a few thousand. or you can have South Africa, writ small forever. At least then the US can cut off aid to the PA and let you all handle it yourselves. Maybe Iran can help defer the expense for you, like in Gaza?

  • 23. 0 0
    Surreal
    • Dali
    • 26.08.10
    • 07:37

    The Pals lose the war in 1948, lose the intifadas and then come to Israel with demands. What right do the losers in a war have to make demands?

  • 22. 0 0
    NO freeze in Jerusalem
    • Daniel from Lima, Perú
    • 26.08.10
    • 07:15

    why Israel must stop construction in Jerusalem? Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and just Israel decides what to do there. Personally I consider that the west bank settlements construction must stop because they are problems to a peace solution... for peace Israel must accept that that land (west bank) its for a future palestinian state... but Jerusalem is just one city, divided between 1948 and 1967 and then reconquered by Israel in a war that the arabs started. as other comment said... WHAT THE ARABS HAVE TO OFFER IN RETURN? this war is because They wanted it. Israel won the war of 1967. Israel is giving much more that the arabs can spect because they, thinking they could eliminate Israel, lose a war Israel did not want.

    • 0 0
      Occupied Jerusalem
      • Wasseem
      • 26.08.10
      • 10:11

      It is either two state solution, then divided jerusalem. Eadt Jerusalem for palestinians. This means according to itnernational law, east jerusalem is occupied, and building is illegal. The other solution is one binational state, where muslims, christians and jews have equal rights; one man one vote. this will keep jerusalem unified and the capital of this binational state. I go for the second.

  • 21. 0 0
    It's all about money.
    • Linda
    • 26.08.10
    • 07:11

    They are about to lose 7 Bln of annual handouts if they do declare a "state". Any wonders ?

    • 0 0
      Again the Engineer with her wise unthoughtfull words
      • bobharis30
      • 26.08.10
      • 10:16

      Where you get your info, I wonder. Money will flood to Palestine when they declare their State from all over the world ... this money would be used to build the infra structure that you Zionists destroyed throughout your illegal occupation. I wonder where you Zionists will get your financial aid ... your USA is bankrupt and when there is no threat anymore to your illegal State, America will see no reasons to open their bank accounts to you. Also I may add that the word "Holocaust" has been often used to extort money from countries like Germany but its effect is waning.

  • 20. 0 0
    This Is Impossible
    • Sarah
    • 26.08.10
    • 07:10

    Since there is no such thing as a "Palestinian" people, it is impossible for any such entity to demand anything or even comment on anything that Israel or the US does. If Israel continues to give in to these non-existent "Palestinians" then it will get exactly what it deserves. The end of the State of Israel and every Jew driven into the sea. After all, this is the often-stated goal of these non-existent "Palestinians" isn't it. So go ahead Israel, keep helping them reach their goal, you're doing a fine job of it so far!

    • 0 0
      LOL. How strange, even Jewish folk were Palestinians from the Roman era til 1948
      • CJ
      • 26.08.10
      • 10:15

      "The end of the State of Israel and every Jew driven into the sea. After all, this is the often-stated goal of these non-existent "Palestinians" isn't it. " No. It's the often-stated twaddle put forward by the Hasbarbarians Guess where the following comes from // in accordance with democratic principles, whereby its inhabitants will enjoy complete equality before the law, [and whereby] minorities will be assured of all the guarantees recognised in democratic constitutional countries, and [whereby] the holy places will be preserved and the right of access thereto guaranteed. //

  • 19. 0 0
    NO freeze in Jerusalem
    • Daniel from Lima, Perú
    • 26.08.10
    • 07:05

    why Israel must stop construction in Jerusalem? Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and just Israel decides what to do there. Personally I consider that the west bank settlements construction must stop because they are problems to a peace solution... for peace Israel must accept that that land (west bank) its for a future palestinian state... but Jerusalem is just one city, divided between 1948 and 1967 and then reconquered by Israel in a war that the arabs started. as other comment said... WHAT THE ARABS HAVE TO OFFER IN RETURN? this war is because They wanted it. Israel won the war of 1967. Israel is giving much more that the arabs can spect because they, thinking they could eliminate Israel, lose a war Israel did not want. and I want to write much more but my limited english did not let me. Jerusalem and the Golan is for Israel, the eternal capital of Israel. Gaza and west bank to the arabs

  • 18. 0 0
    Take It To Washington...
    • Yosemite
    • 26.08.10
    • 07:02

    Don't negotiate here.

  • 17. 0 0
    look at the settlement photo...
    • northern neighbor
    • 26.08.10
    • 07:01

    ...it does not look like a natural growth.

  • 16. 0 0
    Palestinians - beware what you wish for!
    • Heidi
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:58

    I caution the Palestinian, so far everybody bowed to all you wishes now, you want further wants that is freeze on E Jerusalem reminds me of a greedy wife in Pushkin's story about a Fisherman and a gold fish. Im afraid if Abbas doesnt stop, he will end up in square ONE as the fisherman's wife! an old man and woman have been living poorly for many years. They have a small hut, and every day the man goes out to fish. One day, he throws in his net and pulls out seaweed two times in succession, but on the third time he pulls out a golden fish. The fish pleads for its life, promising any wish in return. However, the old man does not want anything, and lets the fish go. When he returns and tells his wife about the golden fish, she gets angry and tells her husband to go ask the fish for a new washboard (their washboard is broken), and the fish happily grants this small request. The next day, the wife asks for a new house, and the fish grants this also. Then, in succession, the wife asks for a palace, to become the ruler of her province, to become the QUEEN , and finally to become the Ruler of Sea, to subjugate the golden fish completely to her boundless will. As the man goes to ask for each item, the sea becomes more and more stormy, until the last request, where the man can hardly hear himself think. When he asks that his wife be made the Ruler of the Sea, the fish CURES HER GREED by putting her back in the old cottage and giving back the broken washboard. The moral of the story is: do not get too greedy, or you will end up with nothing.

  • 15. 0 0
    Why not Inside Green Line
    • Mark of Lewiston
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:51

    Are there no resources inside Israel. Is there no land inside Israel to build housing. Tel Aviv is more expensive than Miami's suburbs because there is a housing shortage inside Israel. Is it impossible for Israel to build piped water and sewage treatment and roads inside the Green Line? Or is creating pain for concessions more important - just to make more bitter any eventual settlement when settlers see their homes and synagogues bulldozed for the political photo opportunities?

    • 0 0
      Mark, the green line is an armistice line
      • Cipora Julianna Kohn
      • 26.08.10
      • 10:02

      do not make more of this than what it is. israel's negotiating position is and shall remain that the green line is the armistice line, as recognised by johnson and bush. the territory east of the green line is disputed between the parties. as such, israel will continue to build in areas she considers will be part of israel at the end of negotiations. this is the position of moderates like meridor and myself. accepting a so-called buildinng "freeze" beyond the armistice line would de facto yield to the palestinians the entire issue of borders, which is one of the core issues to be negotiated. it will not happen.

  • 14. 0 0
    Why not Inside Green Line
    • Mark of Lewiston
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:51

    Are there no resources inside Israel. Is there no land inside Israel to build housing. Tel Aviv is more expensive than Miami's suburbs because there is a housing shortage inside Israel. Is it impossible for Israel to build piped water and sewage treatment and roads inside the Green Line? Or is creating pain for concessions more important - just to make more bitter any eventual settlement when settlers see their homes and synagogues bulldozed for the political photo opportunities?

  • 13. 0 0
    Israel bargaining chip=Land theft sanctioned by the U.S. etal
    • just the facts
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:50

    Of course Israel will continue the theft but just maybe if the Pals play ball Israel won't steal all of their land. How utterly pathetic this whole game is. Both the U.S. and Israel are losing what little credibility they ever had.

  • 12. 0 0
    looks like its over before it began...
    • ben
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:50

    looks like AGAIN (sigh) the pals never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity... The pals know that Israel is a democratic state and would never agree to this(east Jerusalem freeze) without having to go to elections (which would not see a knew PM for at least 9 months)... so the real question is... why don’t the pals want a state when Israel/world is begging them to take it? Does Abbas really the best of intentions for the pals or does he want to hold on to his legacy of this never-ending "struggle" for a country...

  • 11. 0 0
    United Jerusalem is the Israeli Capital
    • Randy
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:49

    Freeze everything else but Jerusalem is not occupied territory it is Israel. Israel is the only country in history to guarantee the safety and free access to ALL peoples holy sites. Peace please, but Jerusalem is off the table.

  • 10. 0 0
    The Palestinians already have three nations -
    • James
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:30

    The Palestinians already have three nations - Jordan, PA, and Gaza. That they have made of sewer of the latter two (PA, GAZA) is their own fault. That they have not made a sewer of the first (Jordan) is to the credit not of the Palestinians, but of the Hashemites.

  • 9. 0 0
    Basic right
    • Bham
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:23

    Building on any land (1967 borders) that is to become a Palestinian state is not a demand but a basic right. How can you negotiate on one hand and build on future Palestinian land in the other? This is the clearest of signs that Israel does not want to give up anything.

  • 8. 0 0
    i have a question
    • eli
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:19

    if israel is really going to stick to this stupid "east jerusalem is ours!" thing, will they be accepting those who live there as citizens of the state? given that 250,000 palestinians (christians and muslims) live in this area and seeing as their birth rate (>6 kids/couple) means that there would easily be nearly 1.5 million palestinians in jerusalem within 2 generations, this seems to be an unwise choice if israel is to remain "a jewish state". the same goes for the parts of the west bank that israel wants to "keep". at this rate, rockets and bombs aren't needed to destroy the concept of israel... they will destroy themselves with greed. how poetic.

  • 7. 0 0
    Why is anybody taking this seriously?
    • Natallie Durson
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:15

    We all know that Israel has no reason to make peace and lot's of reasons to avoid peace. Still, some people that should know better act as if these were serious negotiations with some chance of success. Is the reason because they are role playing or because they really believe what they are saying? Anyone that thinks that Israel would seriously consider peace for even one second has not been paying attention. Having said that, I understand that there are benefits to be had for role playing at peace talks, and I assume that this is what Israels leaders are doing.

  • 6. 0 0
    What Is The US Position?
    • Yaakov Sullivan
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:13

    Does the US recognise that the settlements are illegal as was stated by spokesman Crowley only yesterday? Yes or no? Does the US really expect the palestinians to sit down with this Israeli government and discuss borders of Palestine while Israel is gobbling up the very territory being discussed? And what is this Obama will try and convince the palestinians to accept the Meridor plan which would allow for construction in the settlement blocs. Are the Americans aware of how these settlement "blocs" have been strategically placed in order to prevent the formation of a viable state for Palestinians? Is the US aware that Ma'ale Adumim expansion into their new areas of stolen land will cut off the WB from EJ. Enough already trying to coax the Palestinians and a little more time telling the Israelis its this or else and hold the thieves to account. Is the Obama administration playing more zionist thant the Israeli courts due to election concerns and the anticipated wrath from the strident zionist lobby in Washington?

    • 0 0
      Yes, Yaakov
      • Mark of Lewiston
      • 26.08.10
      • 09:53

      The US does expect the Palestinians to sit down and hammer out a deal. Israel is just creating more pain for its settlers to concede when they bulldoze, like in Sinai and Gaza. Its is a habit of Israeli politicians so they can moan and cover their faces in ashes as they see the housing and shops bulldozed because Israel won't allow any Jews to live under Palestinian law. The politicians can then don their sack cloth and cover their faces in fake ashes. And be reelected and collect fees and "campaign contributions" for building more on the Golan. and on the Shebaa Farms.

  • 5. 0 0
    How touching!
    • Mark Lincoln
    • 26.08.10
    • 06:07

    First the Palestinians wait for Lieberman to announce that Settlement expansion will start in September, and then they announce the already dead freeze must include east Jerusalem. Well, at least the Palestinians were not the first to announce the Peace Talks were Dead.

  • 4. 270 121
    What does the Palestinian side have to offer in return?
    • 26.08.10
    • 05:57

    That's what I thought. Case closed... Have fun for another 62 years playing in the dirt guys... Don't blame Israel this time, negotiations are a two way street, this is the exact same reason why you didn't have a Palestinian state in 1948, because it's never good enough for you, so every decade you simply keep losing less. It's not our problem anymore, take it or leave it. We Jews already lost what was appropriated to us in 1920 San Remo Conference after WW1, heaven forbid you should check in to see what WE lost before you ever come to terms with what you've lost as well. But the difference is, we lost what we lost without a choice, you lost what you lost OUT of your own choice. Keep playing this game, until Palestine will be a neighborhood instead of an actual country. That's as real as it's going to sound, sorry for the truth sounding so harsh, but it's time you heard it.

    • 0 0
      your wrong win win for us we get state you get peace and no longer boycotted and delimagitized
      • yusef
      • 26.08.10
      • 06:06

      if we don't get a real state we'll take yours we'll out number jews in ten years . average israeli house two to three kids average pal house five or six my mom had ten . so leave us self rule or we'll try to destroy israel from with in

    • 0 0
      The Palestinian Authority are simply asking that Israel stops breaking international law during the negotiations.
      • Jake
      • 26.08.10
      • 06:17

      Is that too much to ask for a democratic country? And if you want to start quoting the names of conferences why not quote the one that occurred in Geneva in 1949, particularly the fourth treaty that arose out of it, which Israel signed up to but has been in breach of since 1967. Personally I think it is commendable that the Palestinians are willing to negotiate with Israel while Israel remains in breach of international law.

    • 0 0
      It's amazing someone is still talking about the 1920 San Remo Conference
      • Smadar
      • 26.08.10
      • 06:47

      You mention what we lost and what they lost but you're right if we keep reverting to the past and the lost opportunities, we'll miss what's actually before us now. We have a real chance to make a peace agreement if we don't put the obstacles unnecessarily before us. PS. The only theme song about something lost I found was Air Supply's 1979 " Lost in Love" - how we lost such sound of the past, i don't know.

    • 0 0
      You cannot lose that which is not yours
      • Jeff G.
      • 26.08.10
      • 06:57

      Jews lost nothing in San Remo because you cannot lose that which is not yours in the first place and San Remo did not give others land to Jews as is clearly noted when it states "[...it being clearly understood that nothing should be done which might prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine." Also note that San Remo created "Palestine" not Israel proving that while it may have been intending to aid Jewish immigration into Palestine, its intent was not to create Israel.

    • 0 0
      You lost what?
      • Froy
      • 26.08.10
      • 07:04

      What did you exactly lose in San Remo, sir? Did you own anything East of the Jordan river? Were there any Jews living there? Ever heard of the word chutzpah? You can't lose what never belonged to you. The whole region, East and West of the Jordan was peopled by Arabs. It was Arab land until European Jewish colonizers came and took it by force (with the inestimable assistance of their British partners). Don't count on Palestinian giving up their rights. Their numbers swallow by the year. The clock is ticking against you.

    • 0 0
      Palestinians have nothing left to offer, and I'm afraid it is still your problem!
      • northern neighbor
      • 26.08.10
      • 07:13

      you caused the palestinian problem, and you're still in the midst of it, keep playing the "we don't care" game another 60 years and we will see who the loser will be... if "you jews" have the right to return after 2000 years as you claim, so should the palestinians after just 60 years.

    • 0 0
      Palestinians have nothing left to offer, and I'm afraid it is still your problem!
      • northern neighbor
      • 26.08.10
      • 07:14

      you caused the palestinian problem, and you're still in the midst of it, keep playing the "we don't care" game another 60 years and we will see who the loser will be... if "you jews" have the right to return after 2000 years as you claim, so should the palestinians after just 60 years.

    • 0 0
      Palestinians have nothing left to offer, and I'm afraid it is still your problem!
      • northern neighbor
      • 26.08.10
      • 07:16

      you caused the palestinian problem, and you're still in the midst of it, keep playing the "we don't care" game another 60 years and we will see who the loser will be... if "you jews" have the right to return after 2000 years as you claim, so should the palestinians after just 60 years.

    • 0 0
      Palestinians have nothing left to offer, and I'm afraid it is still your problem!
      • northern neighbor
      • 26.08.10
      • 07:16

      you caused the palestinian problem, and you're still in the midst of it, keep playing the "we don't care" game another 60 years and we will see who the loser will be... if "you jews" have the right to return after 2000 years as you claim, so should the palestinians after just 60 years.

    • 0 0
      My what a spoiled mentality
      • california guy
      • 26.08.10
      • 07:19

      The San Remo Conference?? You were less than than 12% of the population in 1920 and your reciting this like it was your right to get all this land. How arrogant can you get. Without the Brits you would of gotten nothing. Yet it was the Brits that you fought in the 40's to move them along. Why Israel should never be a friend to America for you seem to have a nasty habit of biting the hand that feeds you. It was the Palestinains that lost not you amigo. By the way what are you going to do if this whole thing falls through, ethnically cleanse the Palestinians into Jordan?? Personally I want this peace process to fall through so there can be a one state solutation.

    • 0 0
      Wrong
      • Canadian
      • 26.08.10
      • 07:31

      If Israel keeps demanding everything, the eventually Israel will become a majority Palestinian state. It will either be a democracy run by Palestinians or an ethnocracy with no legitimate claim to being a democracy. If you want a democratic Jewish state, take it now, or lose it forever.

    • 0 0
      Get your facts straight
      • John H
      • 26.08.10
      • 07:51

      Jews in 1920 did not lose anything because they did not have anything, it was not theirs. What they had was the powers saying it would be theirs, in the process causing the Arabs to lose what was theirs. Arabs lost in 1947 for the exact same reason; their emphatic no was ignored.

    • 0 1
      Twaddle. Under Plan Dalet Jewish forces were already outside of Israeli Sovereignty and in control of non-Israeli territory from the moment Israel declared itself independent of the non-state entity of Palestine May 14th 1948
      • CJ
      • 26.08.10
      • 07:55

      The Palestinians have never in their entire history been in a position to declare themselves a sovereign state. http://wp.me/pDB7k-jA

    • 0 0
      Nothing. Israel is the occupier and illegal acquirer of Palestinian territories.
      • CJ
      • 26.08.10
      • 08:07

      Put it this way. If someone stole your car, would you expect to give them something in order to get it back? "Sorry for the truth sounding so harsh" Er what truth? You've posted twaddle. "we lost what we lost without a choice" LOL more twaddle. You and I and every other Jewish person on the planet lost the right to live anywhere in Palestine BECAUSE OF THE JEWISH STATE!! http://wp.me/pDB7k-pE As for San Remo, I doubt you've ever read the actual mandate http://wp.me/PDB7k-Q#Mandate

    • 0 0
      Nothing
      • Osama
      • 26.08.10
      • 08:09

      Israel is an occupying power and it must give back stolden lands to the Pals. Then peace will prevail and Israel will no longer be an Occupation!!

    • 0 0
    • 0 0
      I agree. Pals have nothing to offer now.
      • Neil
      • 26.08.10
      • 08:35

      The Palestinians have little to offer. Now is the time for all the millions of Israeli Arab refugees to return to their lands. The lands that they were driven out of in 1948 under Plan Dalet and in 1967. If Jews can argue that they should be able to return to the homes that they were driven out of in East Jerusalem in 1948 then the Arabs should be able to argue that they should be allowed to return to the homes they were driven out of in 1948 & 1967, etc. They will of course become Israeli Arabs and there are millions of them including their children. Tally ho. I look forward to their repatriation from Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.

    • 0 0
      What do the Palestinians have left to offer?
      • reno
      • 26.08.10
      • 08:39

      They have lost their lands to Israel, so what would you like them to give? As for what was lost in 1920, or any other historical loss, they are not relevant. It was not, until the Geneva Conventions of 1949, that it was prohibited from taking lands gained through war. So, unfortunately, those indigenous peoples who have historically lost their lands are not protected by the law. Since 1949, however, it is not legal to take such lands. Because the 49 Geneva Conventions were a direct result of the horrific treatment of the Jews during WWII, one would think that Israeli's would embrace and gladly follow these Conventions instead of flouting them. As for the harsh truth, if Israel does not make peace and give up its ill gotten gains, the one state solution will prevail and demographics will prove to be the end of the 'Jewish' state of Israel, and will instead be just Israel, with the Jewish people a minority. The choice is yours.

    • 0 0
      to offer in return
      • tom masri
      • 26.08.10
      • 08:45

      Having fun living under occupation and as refugees is hardly the right description. The question is what Israel has to offer in order to live in a peaceful neighborhood?

    • 0 0
      Palestinians dont need to offer anything
      • Wes
      • 26.08.10
      • 09:00

      You just cant stand the fact that the Palestinians are demanding what is right. Your post is full of bull. A more appropriate word would be "robbed". Palestinians have been robbed their land and their rights. And the reason the Palestinians have no state is because Israel that is making it impossible for a Palestinian state to be built and survive. Time is with the Palestinians and against Israel. More boycotts, public opinion less favourable towards Israel and more government condemnations. I'm sure you've heard of this truth.

    • 0 0
      Nothing to offer in return !
      • Joseph
      • 26.08.10
      • 09:17

      Israel has to leave Golan, Jerusalem East, Lebanon farms, has to go back to 1967 borders. Many USCN resolutions state this. That's just incredible that Israel has the opportunity to negotiate. International community should have done the same as with SA apartheid or with Iran, economical sanctions to force Israel to comply.

    • 0 0
      The Whole picture
      • kevork1an
      • 26.08.10
      • 10:03

      Why don't you look at it instead of choosing your conference that failed? The Nakba is as disastrous to the Pals as the Holocaust is to the Jews. Humanity to man is what's missing out of your equation. Immigrants are keeping this conflict alive not Palestinians.

    • 0 0
      So exactly WHO says anything belonged to you back then either???
      • 26.08.10
      • 10:27

      You seem to have amnesia... Did the creation of JORDAN not betray the San Remo Conference? Did JEWS not get KICKED OUT of their homes back then in Trans Jordanians territory? Did Palestinians NOT accept a Jewish state AFTER an Arab state was born from the betrayal of the San Remo Conference calling it Jordan? WHO PREJUDICED WHO FIRST??? WHY DON'T YOU HAVE THE COURAGE TO ADMIT WHO STARTED THIS??? WHY DON't you have the COURAGE TO ADMIT WHERE the majority population of Jordan came from???

    • 0 0
      So if I'm to calculate your logic on Ethnicity populations automatically being awarded something.
      • 26.08.10
      • 10:32

      Surely this means that the White majority of the United States should be given more land than the minority blacks right? Why don't you tell your logic to your black neighbor in California could you do that for me please? In the meantime, when you say without the Brits we would have gotten nothing, you're implying that "something" belonged to somebody other than the Jews? How? And ethnically cleansing to Jordan? WHERE did the majority of Jordan come from on it's own? You people have no concept of true world history, it's hilarious to even hear your "opinions" in re-writing history.

  • 3. 242 64
    Not judst a freeze on settlement construction
    • Sabra
    • 26.08.10
    • 04:44

    Now palis have added another precondition freeze in jerusalem. Next will be a freeeze and then another freeze why bother. walk away palis dont want a state they want to decdlare one unilaterally. Obama better put this on Abbas because he is good for it.

  • 2. 53 75
  • 1. 82 261
    building in east jeruselem is a deal breaker
    • abdalla
    • 26.08.10
    • 04:41

    no peace if israel thinks to keep east jeruselem al qus in ours