Barack Obama supports 1967 Israeli border reestablishment

[Skilero]

Today, Thursday, President Barack Obama called for the reestablishment of the 1967 Israeli borders, which would remove East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza from Israel's control, in the name of peace. Apparently, this offer was originally brought up by the Palestinians - although I need confirmation on that one.

Below is the link to USA Today's article.
Go here.

Go to 0:18 of the below clip for the video of President Obama's quote. Sorry I couldn't find the raw video without random news commentary, but this'll have to do.

 

Israel immediately went against the statement, saying that while it supported the President's motive for peace in the Middle East, it did not support the notion of giving up its occupied land from the Six-Day War.

Relevancy to this, anyone?

[Eris]

Israel needs to make concessions for peace to happens. This seems sensible enough.

[ryoga-kun]

Obviously someone's not being very sensible.

[Wio]

Israel needs to make concessions for peace to happens. This seems sensible enough.

Aren't they only getting the promise of peace at the end of the day? What happens if that promise is breached?


Anyway, I don't like the U.S. getting involved with Israeli-Palestinian affairs.

[Eris]

Aren't they only getting the promise of peace at the end of the day? What happens if that promise is breached?

You can also never have peace without trust.

What Israel desperately needs is to come off as less of an oppressor to the Palestinians. They've been at it for so long the scars are going to take generations to heal, but before that long process can begin, they need to make a gesture. This type of concession would be that type of gesture.

[Shinn Kamiyra]

There can be no peace with mutual concessions and agreements on both sides. Israel's stubbornness in refusing to give up land that wasn't even originally theirs will only prolong hostilities with the Palestinians.

I can't say I'm pleased about Obama setting up the standards for which he believes Middle-Eastern countries should govern themselves, but in this case I believe he's correct. Regardless, as things stand, I don't believe much is going to change.

[Skilero]

Am I the only one who thinks that if Israel ever did give up that land voluntarily (which they won't), there will still be conflict against Israel and the talk of peace will disintegrate for Palestinians and others involved in this? Let's keep in mind that this land is home to religious landmarks that Israelis cherish and worship; if Israel is ever forced to give up the land, they may well fight to the death for it. If you ask me, this statement by the President will only fuel more criticism of Israel and bring a war just that much closer to breaking out full-throttle on the United States ally.

[Gjallarhorn]

The problem with the situation over there is that Israel takes and takes and takes, but never concedes anything during "peace talks". The Palestinian government has made plenty of concessions over the years, as the Wikileaks cables have shown, but Israel continues to reject offers and continues to expand its borders in violation of countless treaties. If there is ever going to be peace over there the US will need to stop giving Israel their constant support and put their foot down.

Is going back to the '67 borders the best idea? I don't know. But Obama's statement is definitely a good start.

[Videogamer555]

Israel needs to make concessions for peace to happens. This seems sensible enough.

As much as we all probably want Israel to give up these regions, East Jerusalem is sacred to them. Religion is a very powerful motivator. I'd bet you anything that they will NOT give it up without a fight (and I mean a WAR, not political fighting).

[ryoga-kun]

As much as we all probably want Israel to give up these regions, East Jerusalem is sacred to them. Religion is a very powerful motivator. I'd bet you anything that they will NOT give it up without a fight (and I mean a WAR, not political fighting).

Isn't the United States and allies at war with folks JUST like that?