The Challenge for Israel

With elections looming in Israel later this month, the direction the country takes over the next years will doubtlessly become critical. Needless to say how things play out in relation to the Palestinian-Israel question will be a critical issue for the country's economy and security.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz today publishes an op-ed piece, Olmert's Arrogance, dealing with Acting PM Olmert's position on withdrawal from the West Bank and the likely consequences.

"In September 2000, the Palestinians began a terror offensive against Israel. They did this because they refused to accept the Camp David proposal, which promised them the entire Gaza Strip and 91 percent of the West Bank in exchange for full recognition of Israel and an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If Ehud Olmert is elected prime minister and implements his convergence plan, then in September 2010 the Palestinians will have sovereignty over the entire Gaza Strip and some 91 percent of the West Bank, and all this without recognizing Israel and without ending the conflict."

Read the full piece here.

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