The air is static with the rumors that are flying. Rumors with regard to secret negotiations that are reportedly taking place between the Israeli gov’t and PA president Abbas regarding a withdrawal by Israel from substantial portions of Judea-Samaria.
I do not doubt for a moment that Olmert, and Livni, would like to achieve this. What I do know is that, in spite of some of the hysteria that has reached my mailbox today, this cannot be done over night. Even the most dramatic of the reports I’ve seen, which predicts "historical political movement in the next few months," ultimately says simply that Israel is "studying" this, and (not that this amounts to a hill of beans) Olmert’s office officially denies it all.
There would, in any event, have to be public process. Olmert cannot walk over to Ramallah and say, "Here, Mahmoud, old buddy, this is what you can take." And so, while there must be concern, and we must be alerted, it is not time for hysteria (not yet, anyway). What it IS time for is concerted action and careful attention to the issues.
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As I monitor what is going on in the establishment American Jewish community, I find — with considerable distress — that within large segments of that community there is support for a "two state solution." I have no doubt but that this is often done with the finest of intentions and some lingering naive conviction that this is a way to help Israel by fostering "peace negotiations."
I am certain, as well, that many in the American Jewish community believe they should take their lead from the gov’t of Israel. As an Israeli, I do not need to be so politically correct, and I have no trouble saying that the gov’t of Israel is not good for the country. The last thing we need to do is take our lead from those who are ostensibly our leaders.
During the last few days I have devoted myself to writing a major message to the American Jewish community, with regard to why a Palestinian state is not the answer to the problems we face.
I have not simply discussed the very key issue of terrorism within the PA. I have touched all the bases — all the rationales for why we should/must give the Palestinians a state. And I have answered each one.
Now, more than ever, we need the American Jewish community fighting with us for the preservation of Israel.
Whether you are a member of the American Jewish community or not, I ask you, please, to take a look at this material, which you can find at: https://41k.82b.myftpupload.com/not-the-answer/
Acquaint yourself with the issues, share the information. And, if you have questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
It is my fervently held opinion that the paradigm of thinking with regard to a Palestinian state must be changed. It’s accepted, it’s the norm — the idea that there should be such a state, or that inevitably there will be.
It is time for new, more honest perspectives. It’s time for recognition that we don’t have to go that route.
This piece I’ve written is the beginning of my own campaign with regard to this. I will be grateful to all of you who decide you do agree with me, if you will join me in this campaign.
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Bravo to John McCain, who delivered a speech via satellite to the Herzliya Conference. He called for US military intervention in Iran, saying that the only thing worse would be a nuclear Iran. He called for the isolation of Hamas, and for the disarming of Hezbollah.
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According to the Middle East Newsline, a Dubai-based research center says that six Arab Gulf states, in the face of a nuclear Iran, would quietly support US military intervention. Iran is throwing its weight around in a way that is most disquieting for these states, and the prospect of a nuclear Iran frankly alarms them.
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Our (so called) defense minister, Peretz, also gave a speech at the Conference, and it’s almost too embarrassing to repeat. Something about combining the Road Map with the Saudi Plan and moving ahead with negotiations, maybe even talking to Hamas if they recognize Israel, even if they don’t renounce terrorism. I shudder as I write this. Peretz is most definitely one of the "leaders" from whom we should not take the lead. Please note, not only is it likely that Peretz’s days as defense minister are coming to an end, he’s also fighting for his political life as the head of the Labor party.
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I have already called the situation a "shanda," and a "bousha" a source of shame and embarrassment for the nation. And now it is worse: The president of Israel, Moshav Katzav has been indicted on a number of counts, including rape. Whether he is guilty of all charges, I cannot say. But I assume that the president would not have been lightly indicted and that the evidence must be reasonably solid. There are cries for his immediate resignation from all sides. He is resisting, claiming that he’s been politically framed. He is scheduled to make a public statement tomorrow.
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More soon…
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This posting can be found at: https://41k.82b.myftpupload.com/current-postings/2007/1/23/posted-january-23-2007.html
