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The Conflict Isn't Territorial

(Ynet News) Moshe (Bogi) Ya'alon - As the prime minister's speech before Congress made clear, the main reason for the failure of all attempts to secure Israeli-Palestinian peace is the Palestinian refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. Israel's Palestinian dialogue partner in peace talks is the PLO, whose members, including Fatah, all reject Israel's right to exist as the Jewish people's nation-state. The Palestinians always stress that they are in favor of a "two-state" solution, rather than a solution based on "two states for two peoples." According to Palestinian leader Abbas, the Jews are not entitled to a state. The heart of the conflict with the Palestinians is existential and not just territorial. As far as the Palestinians are concerned, the occupation started in 1948 and not in 1967. Hence, Palestinian recognition of Israel as the Jewish people's nation-state is a required condition for a viable peace. Imparting this realization to the Palestinian public is a condition for implementing a peace deal and will require significant time. The writer is Israel's Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Strategic Affairs.
2011-06-02 00:00:00
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