Weekly Commentary: Netanyahu stands his ground against sovereign Palestinian
state

Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 5 March 2009

Why is a "two state solution" the only solution that will bring peace and
stability?

Don't expect an answer to that one.

For the same reason that you aren't going to hear an explanation for how
Santa makes it down the chimney to deliver his presents.

Both beliefs are based on faith rather than logic.

And both are pretty childish.

Now you can state your belief in a "two state solution" with a stern face.
You can repeat it a thousand times before the cameras. But at the end of
the day, it still remains an empty declaration of faith rather than an
argument of substance.

Binyamin Netanyahu surprised many of his detractors in the national camp
when he took the high road on the "two state solution" after being assigned
by President Peres to form a government.

Netanyahu could have tried to get away with saying "two states" while
mumbling under his breath that the "Palestinian state" would be an
"autonomous" rather than fully "independent" state.

But he didn't.

Instead he took the high road and declined to recite that holy mantra "two
state solutions".

What happens now?

It could be argued that like most theological arguments, that the issue is
not particularly relevant right now anyway and that everyone should focus on
the extremely urgent here and now.

But it would be a mistake to assume that this dispute is simply going to go
away.

The problematic nature of a sovereign Palestinian state should be clearly
stated.

That Israel simply cannot accept a Palestinian state that exploits its
sovereignty to be a bridgehead and forward camp for forces hostile to the
Jewish State.

That no matter what is written on a piece of paper to prevent this from
happening that there is absolutely no way to guaranty that once a sovereign
Palestinian state is declared that they do will not ultimately violate
those restrictions.

"Two independent states for two Peoples" - no.

"Two entities for two People" - yes.

Back to Palestinian autonomy.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il