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Israel's Demand for Recognition as Jewish State Has Changed the Balance of Forces

(Ha'aretz) Avi Beker - According to a recent American Jewish Committee survey, 95% of American Jews felt the demand that Palestinians recognize Israel as the Jewish state in a final status agreement is justified. Netanyahu's demand that Israel be recognized as the Jewish state was a strategic one, which has exerted crucial influence on the balance of mutual, Israel-Arab demands, as well as on the forces in Washington that would pressure Israel. The reversal produced by Netanyahu's move has clear implications for the agenda of future talks; and the U.S. government clearly understands that exclusive focus on the question of settlements and the construction freeze will not succeed. As far as American Jews are concerned, the demand that Israel be recognized as a Jewish state is not an attempt to hamstring the peace talks; instead, it is a legitimate core demand, germane to the resolution of the conflict. The writer served as Secretary-General of the World Jewish Congress.
2010-10-18 08:39:05
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