Daniel Lubetzky

This article is worth reading as it delineates the seven main threats that Israel is currently facing, according to former National Security Council anti-terrorism chief Richard Clarke, foiled by Efraim Halevy’s view that with compromise, Israel will be able to achieve many of her goals despite the abounding threats. 

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Adeena Schlussel

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This article by Tom Friedman, widely covered in the Israeli media, sadly but accurately recaps Netanyahu’s failure as a national and strategic leader, hurting not just Israel but the US, the Palestinians, and the world, because he puts his personal political standing ahead of Israel’s national interests.

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According to Gershon Baskin in his recent Jerusalem Post Column, the current status of Israel- Egyptian relations indicates that there is a long, but necessary haul to reach Israeli-Palestinian peace.  From Baskin’s experiences, it seems that attaining Israeli-Palestinian peace will also mend relations between Israel and other countries of the Arab world, and can be achieved by building “stronger bridge, not higher walls.”

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Adeena Schlussel

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The following article  by Efraim Halevy is worth a read, as it delineates a viewpoint of givens to accept when thinking about the Israeli- Palestinian conflict, as well as a mindset that Israel should adopt to foster peace.  Because the Halevy  believes that  a permanent solution to the conflict would be best, but is not a possible outcome at present, he posits how to accept basic rights and coexist, as a temporary fix.

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Adeena Schlussel

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This NYT Op-Ed was written by Ephraim Sneh, a former Labor Knesset member and Deputy Defense Minister who serves on OneVoice’s Board.  This article is worth reading, as he represents the centrist pro-Israel and pro-peace progressive, but also harbors a protective view that can appeal to the majority of Israelis.

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A recent Palestinian Center for Public Opinion Poll sought to understand whether or not Palestinians are in support of Mahmoud Abbas’s decision to bring the Palestinian case before the UN again, later this month.  Equally importantly, the poll also examined what the people think will come of this decision.   The results, pasted below, show that over 86% of Palestinians disapprove of the US attempt to recognize the Palestinian state, and provide insight into other commonly held sentiments as well:

83.6%) of the Palestinians evaluate the US efforts on recognizing the Palestinian state as  

              negative.

(59.3%) prefer to resume the negotiations with Israel.

(45.2%) expect Palestine to become a new UN member

(48.8%) oppose holding peaceful demonstrations after proclaiming the recognition of the

              State of Palestine at the UN.

(49.2%) believe that the PA President, Mahmoud Abbas, should exert more effort to

obtain international support for the recognition of the Palestinian state.

(52.7%) oppose at various degrees any decision taken by the PA President to retreat from

              going to the UN.

(41.7%) appreciate the UN role in the efforts aiming at the recognition of the Palestinian

              state.

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Adeena Schlussel

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This recent article, by Daniel’s friend Gershon Baskin, adds valuable insight to the conversation about determining borders in the Mideast. Baskin explains that when creating borders, if a partition becomes undesirable, a territorial conflict becomes an identity-conflict, which is when there are two separate national or ethnic groups fighting to dominate the territory. The example that Baskin gives is as follows: When the former Yugoslavia was fragmented, various areas with obvious identities were able to become nation states; however, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s identities were muddled with various cultures and ethnicities, and a battle for control began.  Baskin goes on to conclude that a one state solution for the Palestinian and Israeli conflict is not a solution at all.  This option will only lead to a struggle over which identity will dominate that singular state, and for as long as Palestinians and Israelis are unwilling to compromise their identity, a two state solution is the only viable one.

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Adeena Schlussel

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A recent Gallup poll announced in Haaretz shows that 81% of Muslim Americans and 78% of Jewish Americans are aligned in wanting an independent Palestinian state to coexist with an Israeli state, showing that there is support in American communities for a two-state solution.

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, by Adeena Schlussel

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An op-ed in Friday’s New York Times argues that Palestinian UN recognition could advance not only Palestinian goals, both those of the Israelis as well, if certain components are included.

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Tom Friedman describes the Obama Administration’s difficult position vis a vis the peace process in the Middle East.  With suspicious and unyielding partners to work with, as well as the interests of American constituents to consider, the administration is in a tricky position.  However, as the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade;  Friedman posits that establishing a two state solution granting Palestinian Statehood alongside the recognition of a Jewish state would satisfy most parties involved, ultimately sweetening the currently sour peace process.

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky; by Adeena Schlussel

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