Steinitz: Israel willing to make serious territorial concessions

In an interview with London's Daily Telegraph, International Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz says that Israel is willing to make 'serious territorial concession' for 'peace.'

Let's go to the videotape. More after the video.

In order to reach agreement, Israel was willing to relinquish territory in the West Bank. “We are prepared to make considerable concessions and it’s not going to be easy,” said Mr Steinitz. “Both sides will have to make very significant concessions and very difficult concessions. We will probably have to make very serious territorial concessions. And the Palestinians will have to make also both territorial concessions - because there will be settlement blocks - but more important still they will have to recognise the very existence of the Jewish people and the Jewish state.” 

The Palestinians must recognise not only Israel’s right to exist but its status as a Jewish state, said Mr Steinitz. They will also have to abandon the “right of return” for refugees who were driven from Israel during the war of 1948. As for Jerusalem, which the Palestinians claim as their capital, Mr Steinitz said the status quo was the only option.

“We are ready for a two states for two people solution,” he said. “If we reach an end of conflict peace agreement with the Palestinians, we will have a referendum. I can tell you, I am confident that most Israelis will support it - even if we will have to make considerable and difficult concessions, including territorial concessions. But on one condition: that Israelis will be totally convinced that what we are getting in return is genuine, enduring peace and real security.”

This doesn't sound great, but let's think about it for a second. Note what's not mentioned here. Steinitz says we're not making concessions on Jerusalem or on 'refugees.' And there's no mention of 'land swaps.' What do you think the odds are of reaching an agreement on this basis? It won't happen. If this is the government's true stand, there's not going to be an agreement. Bibi is just playing for time. Which is really all he can do unless he's willing to openly confront Obama and parts of his own coalition.

What could go wrong?