fulfilling prophecy

17/09/2010

This time, I would like to share a little note of interest about the political situation. At last Wednesday's night weekly meeting in Jerusalem, during our discussion about the "Peace Process" I was struck by a thought that opened my eyes to one of the reasons (in the natural) why the United Nations and the 'Quintet' are not able to solve the Israeli-Palestinian land conflict. In reality the UN could simply declare a Palestinian State and set its borders if it (the UN) so wanted, as it has already passed resolutions stating that the 1967 borders are the legal boundaries between the two nations. So what's the problem?

The State of Israel, although declaredly a Jewish State, nevertheless has a substantial minority made up of approximately 20% Arabs, with their (mostly) own towns, cities, and farms. By the same token, why don't the nations recognize the Jewish settlements in the 'West Bank' as legitimate towns, cities and, farms of a state of Palestine? One of the reasons as to why they will not do so is that according to international laws the settlements are illegal and must be removed. The UN, however, could rescind those laws and grant legitimacy to the settlements. Since the Islamic nations (which make up a large number of UN members), do not recognize Israel's right to own what they consider Arab land (all of Israel plus Judea and Samaria) the UN and Co. find it necessary to pressure the government of Israel to remove their citizens from the West Bank (and if they had their way, from the rest of Israel as well). Thus the present political situation in Israel is extremely volatile. The 26th of this month is a critical point. Will Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, extend the building freeze in Judea and Samaria? Limit the building? Or lift it entirely as he promised? If he does not make good on his word, his party and other government ministers could try to oust him from power, which might spell new elections (if the Kadima party is not able to form another government). If we go to elections, will Bibi be like Ariel Sharon and form a party that will carry out the will of the United States and other nations? On the other hand, if he lifts the building freeze, as he said he would, and will allow the resumption of building in the Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria, Hamas could become the ruling factor in the West Bank and terrorism will increase to levels we have not seen in the past. But as a savvy political acrobat, Benjamin Netanyahu could come up with some 'creative' solutions to the dilemma he is facing, one which may be very distasteful and unacceptable to both sides; the settlers and his negotiating 'partners'. Time will tell.
17/09/2010