01 July 2010

This is not silly

It’s not a “very silly piece” as you describe it, Miriam. It’s as close as we can to the truth of this seemingly intractable situation. Two thirds of us (or them, Israelis) really do want (or would prefer) peace. They realise that this will involve halting (and even rolling back) the settlement process, and a whole bunch of other unpalatable compromises. What they’re not (yet?) prepared to do is to translate that preference for peace into action at the ballot box and thereafter, i.e. putting pressure on the government and Knesset to do what’s necessary, not just go through the motions.
The shambolic Palestinian camp is our excuse for inaction. But the world and those who love Israel are starting to see through the excuse.
Peace will not come from Palestine. It will and must come from Israel, with Israel’s flagging allies there to pressure the Palestinian side.
Israel is the stronger party. Only Israel can initiate and carry out a genuine peace process.
Let’s hope the peace-preferring Israeli voter realises this, before it’s too late.

in reference to:

"A very silly piece by Larry Derfner in the Jerusalem Post, arguing that Israelis don't really want peace. Not, you understand, that he disagrees that most Israelis are willing to give up land for peace, or accept a two-state-solution. His complaint is that Israelis are unwilling to throw their arms open, embrace the Palestinians and sing kumbaya:"
- Do Israelis really want peace? | The Jewish Chronicle (view on Google Sidewiki)

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