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A New Realism on Gaza

(Washington Times) Editorial - Until recently, Washington had been reluctant to support any unilateral moves by Israel, fearing that any such actions would undermine the principle of bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. But it has become increasingly clear that, given the political paralysis that has enveloped the Palestinian side, no real progress is possible at the negotiating table at the present time. Therefore, the Bush administration has become increasingly open to the principle that unilateral steps in the right direction by Israel are preferable to continued stagnation. While the Sharon plan may spell the end for some isolated, vulnerable settlements that the prime minister considers a strategic liability, even after all Gaza settlements are gone, Israel will likely remain in an existential conflict with Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, and the other terrorist groups that currently use Gaza to stage attacks against the Jewish state. Israel will continue to deserve American support as it defends itself against the terrorist menace in its own backyard.
2004-02-16 00:00:00
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