Responsibility, accountability both ways

Submitted by Demsci (Netherlands), Apr 3, 2009 at 10:36

I think what Mr Lieberman thinks is refreshing. That reciprocity is necessary. That responsibility and accountability is for both sides, not just or predominantly for the Israeli side. Yes, I say to a (pro-Palestinian) friend that I do not understand Israels settlement policy, and today not even most of the occupation of the West Bank, because security can probably be had in different ways nowadays and settlement and occupation are so detrimental to Israels cause and image. At least I have a hard time defending them if I try.

But I can point to the choices the Palestinians could make, once they no longer are addicted to their beloved land and religion, but rather adhere to a policy that will make them more prosperous and happy in the long run, while preserving their honour. It seems to me that they could see at least some merit in what Lieberman proposes about land exchange; especially exchanging the Galilean triangle for Israeli-settled land. Not even considering this puts a great responsibility for their own future on the Palestinians, whom I consider as just as human intelligent and reasonable as all other nations, at least in potential.

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