The full article is in the attached pdf file or you can go to our website: http://www.jcpa.org/.
Vol. 10, No. 14 14 December 2010
Prospects for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Talks
MK Isaac Herzog, Minister of Welfare and Social Services
- I am convinced that there is a golden opportunity now in the region to reach a breakthrough for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. There is a convergence of interests which is quite rare. Both Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas have come to the realization that there is such an opportunity. The Labor party is in the government coalition because we want to make sure that we are not missing a golden opportunity for peace.
- The
Israeli demand that the Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state
is justified. The issue of the Jewish homeland is derived from the 29
November 1947 UN resolution which decided on the establishment of a
Jewish homeland and a Palestinian homeland.
- There
is a lot of misunderstanding on the subject of construction in the
settlements. The real growth is in two major ultra-Orthodox towns -
Modi'in Ilit and Beitar Ilit. There is no problem in building within the
boundaries of those towns, and in any solution they will be part of
Israel.
- Both
Netanyahu and Abbas are stronger than perceived. Abbas has shown that he
could change his constitution and postpone electoral processes in his
own regime. Prime Minister Netanyahu has a grand coalition. If he goes
forward with the peace process, he will find a broad spectrum of Israeli
politics backing him.
- Iran is becoming this era's greatest danger. Every European citizen should ask himself why Iran is building missiles that can reach Europe, and not only Israel.
