(Israel Hayom) Zalman Shoval - According to recent reports, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that now that the Kadima party has joined Israel's government coalition, there is no excuse for peace talks with the Palestinians to remain stalled. The Palestinian Authority is demanding that Israel concede, ahead of final-status talks and without debate, to its extreme demands on borders and construction beyond the Green Line, including in Jerusalem. The PA views these demands as preconditions for entering into talks. While the Palestinians are listing their demands, they are simultaneously unwilling to consider measures such as revoking their "right of return" claims or even accepting Israel's legitimate request to recognize it as the home of the Jewish people. The unity government was established to promote a real peace process instead of engaging in farcical negotiations or caving in to ultimatums that damage Israel's essential interests. The writer served twice as Israel's ambassador to the U.S.
2012-05-18 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive