I've heard that Bibi gave a good speech in congress.
It appears that he stated Israel's case clearly and in so doing became the first Israeli leader in the brief history of modern Israel to call a spade a spade.
Israel has never been prepared to concede to Arab demands. That isn't news. It's also not news that Israel is prepared to give up territory.
But Israel has always been nervous about stating her case. Even now, after Bibi's speech, journalists in Israel are writing articles that express the nervousness of the Israelis. While at the same time journalists in the US are praising Bibi for his courage.
But Bibi did say a new thing, which everyone feels in their hearts but never shouts it aloud, untill Bibi said it.
It is his statement that we would be the first state to recognize the new Palestinian state if it came about through discussions and if it fulfilled Israel's conditions.
It appears that he stated Israel's case clearly and in so doing became the first Israeli leader in the brief history of modern Israel to call a spade a spade.
Israel has never been prepared to concede to Arab demands. That isn't news. It's also not news that Israel is prepared to give up territory.
But Israel has always been nervous about stating her case. Even now, after Bibi's speech, journalists in Israel are writing articles that express the nervousness of the Israelis. While at the same time journalists in the US are praising Bibi for his courage.
But Bibi did say a new thing, which everyone feels in their hearts but never shouts it aloud, untill Bibi said it.
It is his statement that we would be the first state to recognize the new Palestinian state if it came about through discussions and if it fulfilled Israel's conditions.
This in fact has always been my answer to tourist's questions about the prospects for peace in the Middle East.
I've always said that we want a Palestinian state, even more than the Palestinians want a Palestinian state.
We aren't only willing to give them territory. We desperately want to give them territory.
But these two wants are subject to conditions which in fact are quite easily fulfilled.
The Arab world must acknowledge Israel's right to exist and must open their hearts and borders to cooperation with Israel.
The best thing that can happen is for Israel - Arab cooperation to thrive.
We aren't only willing to give them territory. We desperately want to give them territory.
But these two wants are subject to conditions which in fact are quite easily fulfilled.
The Arab world must acknowledge Israel's right to exist and must open their hearts and borders to cooperation with Israel.
The best thing that can happen is for Israel - Arab cooperation to thrive.
This is what is lacking. It wasn't achieved in the peace agreements between us and Egypt and us and Jordan.
There needs to be determined willingness, on the part of the Arab world to allow Israeli culture, science and technology to enter their countries.
Only an enthusiastic exchange of culture can bring about peace. Exchange of territory will come about after there is peace and cooperation. It is the result of peace not the cause of peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment