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.
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
Putting it to work
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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