Bibi won't rule out Palestinian state

[GoesTo11]

Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu and three quarters of the Likud's candidates declined to sign a loyalty oath ruling out a Palestinian state that was distributed to all the parties on the Right.

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http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1233050185988&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[Idealism]

1. He may not sign the paper, but he already has made it clear

There will be no Palestine under Bibi-ran Israel rule.

[GoesTo11]

3. You never know. He's leaving the door open.

If he did decide to negotiate in earnest it would be like Nixon going to China.

[Idealism]

4. Given his past election platform and history

I don't think the door is open much, if at all. He already said, in regards to the settlements, he would not restrict their growth. The settlements are the biggest roadblock on the way to peace, truly.

The man is the Israeli George Bush, he ran last for elections on a "Rejecting the Oslo Accords" plank and won, he has publicly stated that "9/11 was good for Israel because it brought us sympathy," and more gems of that nature.

If Israel elects him, it is a sure sign how the entire country is not ready for, nor may particularly want peace.

[sabbat hunter]

5. Begin also once said

He would never negotiate with Sadat and return the Sinai to Egypt.....

[GoesTo11]

7. Not exactly

He hasn't said he would not restrict growth of settlements. He said he would not start new settlements, but he would allow them "natural growth." That's obviously not the same as no growth, but it is a restriction. Thus, he's not encouraging those who believe that some day there will an Israel from the Jordan to the Mediterranean.

There is a very important difference between Netanyahu and George Bush - Netanyahu is extremely intelligent and knowledgable, so you have to read what he says pretty carefully. He's not just a guy who gets a gut feel and goes with it.

[Idealism]

8. Natural growth is a relative term

To strict interpretation (if the translation is even correct from Hebrew to English) it could mean what you imply- only "natural" progression as in birth rates affecting area needed. But this is a point that lawyers could argue about for eternity, if need be. That being said, I would not trust a single word any politician says while running for office, especially weeks out from election day.

[bunnies]

2. What good is a Palestinian state filled with Israeli settlements?!

Gimme a break.

[oberliner]

10. Who do you want to see win the elections?

Is there a particular candidate/party you are pulling for?

[bunnies]

11. I dont know.

I'm so upset by whats gone on lately that I'm having a hard time seeing the difference. In my utopia, Uri Avery would be in charge.

[azurnoir]

6. Almost spit my tea

as if any Israeli politician who is seriously in the running for PM is going to sign a statement like that, what will not signed and what happens in practice are two very different things, sounds publicity stuntish to me, see Nutyahoo didn't sign

[GoesTo11]

9. It could be worse, though

and in the Middle East, that is a positive development. It sounds like it was a publicity stunt, but at least it failed.

Careful with that tea.