Benjamin Netanyahu
Who’s Against a Two-State Solution?Tuesday, July 20, 2010 by Efraim Karsh | Jewish Ideas Daily » Daily Features
"Two states, living side by side in peace and security." This, in the words of President Barack Obama, is the solution to the century-long conflict between Jews and Palestinian Arabs in the Middle East. Washington is fully and determinedly on board. So are the Europeans. The UN and the "international community" vociferously agree. Successive governments of the state of Israel have shown their support for the idea. So far, there is—just as there has always been—only one holdout.
Editors' Picks
Obama Goes to Israel, Finally Elliott Abrams, Weekly Standard. It is a good thing that President Obama is planning his first visit to Israel. But will he arrive with a European peace plan aimed at forcing Israeli concessions?
Haredi Holy War Amir Mizroch, Forecast Highs. Fearing that a new alliance between Yesh Atid and Jewish Home will see haredim drafted into the IDF, Israel's haredi rabbis are mounting a fierce campaign to protect the status quo.
All Quiet on the Gaza Front? Armin Rosen, Atlantic. Since Operation Pillar of Defense, Sderot has been free of rocket fire from Gaza for the first time since 2004. But it will take more than that for the town to return to normal.
Fischer Pays the Price Dror Marmor, Globes. As Netanyahu’s government tried to reduce housing prices, Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer moved to prop them up. His recent resignation is no surprise.
A Piecemeal Peace Shlomo Avineri, Foreign Affairs. Post-election, an Israeli-Palestinian peace is no less remote. Perhaps we should look to places like Cyprus, Bosnia, and Kosovo for ideas that are less ambitious—and more feasible.
Bibi's Lucky Break Haviv Rettig Gur, Times of Israel. Yesterday's elections weakened the Likud at the expense of Yesh Atid. But Netanyahu has still come out on top.
It's Not the Electoral System, Stupid! Raphael Ahren, Times of Israel. Israel's electoral system is often made the scapegoat for its political problems. But for retiring MK Einat Wilf, Israel's issues are no different from those of any other democracy.
Round Two Shai Feldman, National Interest. As prime minister for a second term, Netanyahu will claim a stronger mandate to strike Iran’s nuclear program. But President Obama looks set to use his second term to prevent an Israeli attack.
The Leftist Alternative Evelyn Gordon, Jerusalem Post. While Netanyahu looks certain to lead Israel's next government, he favors a new coalition with the center-Left. But that prospect may hinge on the electoral success of Am Shalem.
Barak's Last Battle Jonathan Tepperman, Foreign Affairs. "Barak's basic approach to security, although he never articulated it as such, boils down to expecting the worst and acting accordingly. It's a logical position for a chastened former peacemaker."