Danny Rubinstein, Haaretz, February 26:
Forty years after the Six-Day War, the Palestinian attitude that has become consolidated toward the State of Israel is quite clear: It is possible and necessary to achieve an agreement for coexistence with Israel on the basis of the 1967 borders. Israelis who think it is possible to reach an accord with the Palestinians that includes annexation of settlement blocs in the West Bank or leaves East Jerusalem under Israeli jurisdiction are deluding themselves. In all the decades that have passed since occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, not a single Palestinian voice has been heard that agrees to less than that. Of course, there have been those who demanded more, and even today some want to destroy Israel entirely, but no Palestinian will agree to allow Israel to annex even one meter beyond the boundaries of the Green Line.
If one can speak of any power to this Palestinian position, it stems from the fact that it enjoys total public consensus. Aside from a few isolated exceptions, all Palestinians adhere to one position that the Palestinian state will be established within the 1967 borders and that East Jerusalem will be its capital. Of course, it is possible to speak about differences between the political approaches of the Hamas and Fatah movements regarding profound ideological gaps: Hamas’ leadership is, under no circumstances, willing to recognize Israel, while Fatah is. But this can be viewed as differences in principle that lack any practical significance.
The tragedy is that there never were any “1967 borders.” The borders with Egypt and Jordan were not finally negotiated until 1978 and 1994. And of course 242 has never involved the Pals.
What is the tragedy, except for the Palestinians? Israel has never believed in borders. Not least in ignoring the original UN-designated borders (which were already an over-the-top giveaway to the Zionist lobby). Israel never knew when to stop when it was in front (which was 100% of the time).
All endlessly ironic given that Israel goes on ad infinitum about how its subject population has to recognise its ‘right to exist’. Which Israel? Evidently, the Israel without borders.
No borders? How then did the UN arrive at Resolution 242, demanding Israel to return to it’s pre 1967 borders?
It’s time you grew up Viva. The childish and petulant ad hominems don’t cut it anymore. You need new material old chap.
ej/Addamo
Oh my goodness. Where were you people educated? Both of you really need to learn how to read or go to school or college!
First of all, it was the Muslims who rejected the 1947 partition, not the Jews. They rejected it in the UN and by their deeds. So much did they reject it that they declared war on Israel. Their aims were to add the former Mandate of Palestine into their own imperial plans.
It is just hysterical when you people start banging on about Resolution 181, given that the Muslims all rejected it! As poor old Hanan Ashrawi said “this was the biggest mistake we ever made.”
Addamo, lies are the stock in trade of anti-Semites throughout history, but you really take the cake.
This is just evidence of how brazen you people are becoming. You will even stoop to outrights lies that we all know are lies. No wonder the “Palestinians” are in such a mess, when their western supporters are as clueless liars as you, ej, and your ilk.
VP
you understand nothing. For Ben Gurion et al, the UN deliberations were a strategic vehicle for further expansion. THey never accepted the UN boundaries as acceptable. ANd of course they weren’t, but for entirely contrary reasons.
But if Israel never accepted the legitimacy of the UN boundaries, why should anybody else? It’s always been a con.
The discretionary declaration of the state of Israel on others’ land was itself an act of war.
You’re rooting for the criminals, VP. Time to escape from the cult and recover your humanity.
Ej
Honey, we are still waiting for your evidence that the Muslims accepted the Partition and the Jews rejected it. I’m patient. Tragically, I think my patience is not as great as your bone-headed ignorance, bigotry, and racism. However, in a democracy like ours even vermin com vous must e given a voice; even if it is only for the rest of to demolsih.