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There is No Right of Return
(Ha'aretz) Editorial - PA External Affairs Minister Nabil Sha'ath on Friday in Beirut related to the return of refugees as a practical solution - and even as a precondition - to a final status agreement, speaking of the right of return to "Palestinian cities in the Jewish state." The statements by Sha'ath sparked vehement rebuttals including from opposition chairman Shimon Peres and Meretz Knesset members Yossi Sarid and Ran Cohen. They emphasized that they would adamantly oppose a peace agreement that includes a Palestinian right of return to Israel, since such a right poses a threat to the state's identity and to the solution of two states for two peoples. The Palestinian leadership would be well advised to take very seriously the united front in Israel that opposes a right of return. Virtually all Palestinian leaders have poorly served their own people by cultivating among refugees the illusion of a right of return to Israel, rather than courageously encouraging them to recognize that the establishment of a Palestinian state entails the relinquishing of hopes of returning to Israeli territory. With his irresponsible remarks, Sha'ath throws dust in Palestinians' eyes, and sullies prospects of forging an agreement, even with those in Israel who believe in compromise.