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Over to You, Mr. Abbas

(Jerusalem Post) Editorial - The key significance of Israeli acceptance of another building freeze in Judea and Samaria for another three months would lie in Israel's demonstrable renewed commitment to a negotiated peace that best serves its interests - this despite Israelis' skepticism over the intentions of the Palestinian leadership. A new freeze would also be critically facilitated by Washington's specific caveat that it not extend to construction in Jewish neighborhoods of east Jerusalem, the unnecessary focus of much U.S.-Israel friction these past few months. It is particularly troubling that President Obama, unlike his predecessor, has refrained from expressing understanding for "the new realities on the ground" - and specifically Israel's need to maintain settlement blocs in any future agreement. Nevertheless, as Netanyahu has made clear, Israel's interest lies in seeking an accommodation if one can be found, putting an end to interminable conflict. Netanyahu is rightly concerned by the possibility that the West Bank will turn into a second "Hamastan." Rocket and missile fire lobbed into a narrow-waisted Israel from the hilltops of Judea and Samaria would constitute an existential danger that has not been sufficiently addressed in previous peace proposals. Hence the prime minister's insistence on Israeli military control along the Jordan border. With Israel on board, in step rather than in friction with Washington, it is Abbas who should come under pressure to compromise - and to take positions that give his people, and ours, the opportunity for genuine reconciliation and a secure future.
2010-11-16 10:07:42
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