Comment on -why Oslo's hopes turned to dust

Submitted by yigal koltin (Israel), Sep 10, 2003 at 02:42

Your proposed approach for the next decade has two issues in it that require very careful attention.

Recognition of the State of Israel is not the issue. Arafat was ready to recognize it long ago as a SECULAR DEMOCRATIC STATE. This is the problem-what we are aiming for is recognition as a democratic Jewish state the homeland of the Jews. The terminology used by Arafat deceived the entire world. He was aiming towards the change of the character of Israel within a few years into an Islamic state with an Arab majority. A goal that can be achieved easily if any part of the refugees return to Israel.

Second point, you are suggesting that if the Palestinians cooperate they will receive financila aid AND ARMS. Palestine in any form MUST be demilitarized. The last 3 years should have served to convince even the skeptics that this must be adhered to. The nightly rocket attacks from Gaza, the imminent threat from the Labanese border and the use of the ceasefire (Hudna) to build the same threat in the West Bank should be sufficient to convince anyone about the need to ensure demilitarization as a precondition to independence.

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