Why Israel's Left is largely Right
There is very little domestic pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to reach an agreement with the 'Palestinians.' This is because much of Israel's Left has become Right. For example, Wall Street Journal columnist Bret Stephens. I write these words as one who has long entertained doubts about the wisdom and viability of much of the settlement enterprise, though I've never considered it the core issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—a point well borne out by the example of Gaza following Israel's withdrawal.And you wonder why no one in Israel called for Prime Minister Netanyahu's ouster (other than the self-serving opposition leader) for refusing President Obama's demand for a 'settlement freeze'?
Now I find myself cheering Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for announcing, in the wake of the Fogel family massacre, the construction of hundreds of additional homes in the settlements. Israel's consistent mistake since the peace process began nearly 18 years ago was to suppose that conspicuous displays of reasonableness and moderation would beget likewise on the other side. The reality has been closer to the opposite.
For 60 years, no nation has been held to such stringent moral account, or such ceaseless international hectoring, as Israel. And no people has been held to so slight an account as the Palestinians. Redressing that imbalance is the essential first step in finding a solution to the conflict. The grotesque murders of the Fogels and their little children demands nothing less.
Labels: Barack Obama, Binyamin Netanyahu, Fogel family massacre, Itamar, Palestinian incitement, Palestinian terror
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:19 PM
2 Comments:
I know it was really hard for the people who were forced to move out of Gaza, and I always (self-centeredly) think of it as having resulted in a surge of U.S. public support after seeing the rocket fly after the Israelis moved... but (lightbulb lights up!) it looks like it also solidified internal Israeli understanding of what's what.
There is no support in Israel for more concessions. Israelis feel rightly, they would make no difference. The Arabs want not peace but to murder Jews. They have sent a clear message in the Fogel family massacre that is impossible to ignore.
And if the Palestinians and the world don't understand this they have only themselves to blame.
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