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(OpEd printed in The IndependentOpEd).The latest diplomatic efforts on behalf of the US and the EU to revive the peace process, following two major speeches - the first was US President Obama's Mideast speech on May 19 at the State department, followed by Israeli PM Netanyahu's speech to a joint meeting of the US Congress on May 24, bring us to speculate what is the process about, what is the ultimate goal? The creation of Palestine in order to avoid political embarrassment at the UN in September, or Peace - that will be based on the Two State solution, an Independent, prosperous Palestine the homeland for the Palestinian people, and a secure Israel – The Homeland of the Jewish people, living side by side in peace and security.
Netanyahu outlined his positions, as a framework for an agreed settlement, a solution that will end the ongoing Middle East conflict, with the Support of a Majority of the Israeli Public that yearn for peace, but are concerned due to experience of the past, are willing to compromise, in exchange for a viable and secure peace, a settlement that will result into a lasting peace that can be defended.
In a joint meeting of Congress on May 24, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s desire for peace with the Palestinians, delivering his most far-reaching statements on the peace process to date by outlining steps Israel would take to facilitate a two-state solution to the conflict.
Acknowledging that Israel is prepared to make painful decisions to make peace, Netanyahu said that while settlements remain a final-status issue to be addressed in talks, “in any peace agreement that ends the conflict, some settlements will end up beyond Israel’s borders.”
While restating Israel’s longstanding position that Jerusalem will remain united, he added that “with creativity and with goodwill, a solution can be found.”
In fact PM Benjamin Netanyahu is the only leader in the Middle east that supports (backed by deeds) the Two State solution for Two People.
At the same time the PA is refusing to talk with Israel, seeking recognition of a Palestinian state within the 1967 lines prior to final status negotiations, continue to refuse to affirm and recognize Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, demand the right of return for 5 Million Palestinians, grand children of the 550,00 refugees feeling Israel in 1949 and 1967 by the encouragement of the Arab countries promising them to return upon the annihilation of Israel, and partner with the Terrorist group Hamas that seeks the destruction of Israel in any border.
So while it looks like September is not quite an Option, experiencing their dream of Palestine moving beyond their imaginations, following Netanyahu's political and Diplomatic success in lobbying the US and European counterparts to oppose a unilateral declaration of Statehood at the United nations, The Palestinians are now adopting a new tactic - with the help of President Obama, and that's a call to PM Netanyahu to adopt Obama's mention of Two States based on 1967 borders as a basis for the start of peace talks, once again not moving away an inch from their previous pre conditions, without promising Mutual recognition, Dropping the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees, and break up their partnership with Hamas.
As PM Netanyahu pointed out that the 1967 boundaries are indefensible, and the creation of Palestine should not be on the expense of Israel, it must end the Conflict, not continue the conflict.
Therefore, It’s upon the United States and the Quartet to make it very clear to the Palestinians and the Arab World that the outcome of the peace process must be a solution agreed by the parties that will end the conflict, that will put an end to demands and result in the Creation of a independent Palestinian State living side by side with the Jewish State in peace and security, a peace that is endured and defended.
The only way to reach such a solution, is a process where the Palestinians engage in a diplomatic process, sit down with the elected government of Israel and negotiate a peace deal with creativity and goodwill.