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Israel Cannot Allow a Gaza-Like, Rocket-Spewing Entity to Emerge in the West Bank

(Australian Jewish News) Dr. Bren Carlill - Try as it might, Israel cannot end its occupation of the West Bank through negotiations because the Palestinians refuse to negotiate. Israel attempted "final status" negotiations with the Palestinians in 2000, 2001, 2008 and 2014. Each time, the Palestinians have either said no to Israeli or American offers - without making a counteroffer - or merely left the talks without responding at all. Since 2014, Palestinians have refused to negotiate. For a people so apparently eager for statehood, this refusal to negotiate might appear odd. The problem is, the Palestinian leadership has not prepared its people for the compromises they will have to make. The unreconstructed vision of Israel eventually being replaced by Palestine is still their primary message. Israel would end the occupation tomorrow if it could do so in a way that would not undermine its security. The problem is, Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, and has endured three wars launched from Gaza since that time. The West Bank abuts Israel's civilian, industrial and economic center, and, understandably enough, Israel doesn't want a Gaza-like, rocket-spewing entity to emerge there until it is convinced the Palestinians are both willing and able to keep the peace. The writer is Director of Public Affairs at the Zionist Federation of Australia.
2020-07-09 00:00:00
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