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The Report calls for direct talks for Palestinians who 'accept Israel's right to exist' (an absurd demand) but does not restrict Israelis to those who accept the right of a Palestinian state to exist, which would, for example, exclude Israel's Prime Minister Olmert, who received a rousing ovation in Congress when he declared that Israel's historic right to the land from Jordan to the sea is beyond question.

Noam Chomsky#154

PolicyIsraelPalestineNegotiationRecognition

About this quote

What does it mean?
The report demands Palestinians accept Israel's right to exist but does not require Israelis to accept a Palestinian state. This asymmetry excludes Israeli leaders who reject a Palestinian state.
In plain terms
The demands for Palestinian recognition are not mutual for Israelis.
What can you take from it?
Mutual recognition demands should be consistent on both sides.

Where it applies

  • peace negotiations
  • policy analysis
  • public debates

Putting it to work

  • check for mutual demands
  • advocate for reciprocity
  • critique inconsistencies

Questions to consider

  • Why is mutual recognition not standard?
  • What defines a fair negotiation?

Another view

It overlooks security concerns that drive asymmetrical demands.

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