Tuesday February 12, 2013

I've Been Thinking:

Yesterday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech in which he said that he believes in a two-state solution. His ideal situation, he said, is two states for two peoples.

Why is this speech so significant? Because ever since his first speech on the subject, delivered on June 14, 2009 at Bar Ilan University, people have said that they do not believe him. They think Netanyahu said what he said at Bar Ilan because of pressure from the United States.

Many people do not trust Netanyahu. His detractors say that his actions over the ensuing three years did not lend credence or in any way support a two-state solution.

To quote the prime minister: "I believe that a framework to peace is what I outlined in my speech in Bar-Ilan University - two states for two peoples: A demilitarized Palestinian state that recognizes the Jewish state."

But, Netanyahu cautioned, the Palestinians must remove their preconditions.

"To reach this solution means to negotiate in good faith. That means you don't place preconditions. For the past four years the Palestinians regrettably place preconditions, time after time. My hope is that they leave them aside and get to the negotiating table."

Obviously this speech yesterday was very well timed. Barack Obama, President of the United States, is planning to arrive in Israel on March 20th - exactly 5 weeks from now.

Meanwhile, the White House has made it clear that expectations should be lowered about this trip to the Mid East.

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