Benyamin Netanyahus speech today that was supposed to outline his "peace" policy. To an extent Obamas pressure seems to have worked. The israeli prime minister for the first time used the words " Palestinians" and "state" in one sentence. But that his pretty much it.

A state for the Palestinians would have to :

1. Grant control of ALL of Jerusalem to Israel

2. Accept israeli control over its airspace and borders.

3. Accept the presence of the israeli settlements that will remain under israeli control. ( he made the concession that no new ones would be built, but insisted not only that the older settlements would have to stay but also that they must be allowed to be enlarged.

4. Must accept to be completely demilitarised under israeli control.

5. Must officially recognize Israel as the state for the jewish people. ( no mentioning of Israels arab citizens).

Since even the most moderate palestinian leader will under no circumstances accept all these premises, Netanyahus offer for negotiations will end up meaningless. ( and that is probably his goal)


http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1092710.html