Yediot Aharonot asks: „Does anyone in this region really want a Palestinian state now?
Yediot Aharonot asks: „Does anyone in this region really want a Palestinian state now? No. Even though that is what seems to be happening. Those who, for now, do not want a state are the Palestinians themselves. The Palestinians – I mean the political and social elite – want with all their hearts to end the Israeli occupation. A state is a whole other story. The Palestinians understand, for example, that with the establishment of a state, they will have to concede in perpetuity the territory on the other side of their twisting borders. They understand that establishing a single sovereign state of the Palestinian people will automatically bury the ‘right of return.'” The author surmises, „Who does want a Palestinian now? The Americans: The Presidents of the United States, from Clinton through Bush to Obama have already founded a Palestinian state in their speeches, recognized it, outlined its borders and promised to assist it. They view it as an anchor to their policy and a just end to an old conflict that they want to resolve for religious, ideological and strategic reasons. Project Palestine is an (almost) exclusively American project. I would not take that lightly. In their history, the Americans have proven that when they are persistent about something, they achieve it no matter what.”
Ma’ariv contends that „The Palestinian reconciliation neutralized the Prime Minister’s allegation according to which there is no use in negotiating while Gaza and the West Bank are split. So he simply invented another excuse.” The author points out that „The Palestinians never claimed that they would not speak with the Government of Israel as long as there are members and parties in it that oppose their rights to a state.”
Yisrael Hayom predicts that „It is practical: Obama’s speech this week, and afterwards Netanyahu’s speech before both houses of Congress echoing the former, and an announcement by both sides that they will avoid unilateral steps. From here to intensive negotiations, which if they do not lead to permanent arrangements, are likely to lead to a state with temporary borders, that would be recognizes in the UN (first and foremost by the State of Israel) and will be a fact on the ground for Hamas as well.”
The Jerusalem Post comments on the new legislation submitted by the Communications Ministry intended to drastically limit fines for backing out of contracts with telephone, Internet and TV providers, and is hopeful that soon, “Communications providers will have to earn their profits – not by holding us captive, but by successfully courting us. This means offering genuinely lucrative bargains, and treating us with respect.”
Haaretz remarks on the new US policy for the Middle East, in which “Obama is expected to position the United States alongside demonstrators, rebels and political activists struggling for democracy and freedom in Arab countries, and to revive the diplomatic process between Israel and the Palestinians,” and suggests that PM Netanyahu “should view the American initiative as an opportunity.” The editor states that in his forthcoming visit to the United States, “Netanyahu should reach an understanding with Obama on a joint diplomatic move,” and adds: “If Netanyahu sticks with stagnation, the violence over the weekend in East Jerusalem will be just the prelude to a new clash with the Palestinians.”
