In a lead up to Netanyahu's meetings with Obama next week, Ynet has commissioned a poll intended to gauge Israeli public opinion concerning a two-state solution.
You can find the results here.
Ultimately, 58% of Israeli's report being in favor of a two-state solution, with 73% of the secular population offering their support.
Does that mean that Netanyahu, who has as of yet refused to publicly support the two-state solution, despite great pressure to do so, is some how out of step with the Israeli population?
The answer is no.
Like all opinion polls, the results are determined by how the question is framed.
Those surveyed were asked if they supported "two states for two peoples."
But as of now, such a scenario doesn't exist.
The Palestinians have publicly stated that they will not recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. A fact which can not be mentioned enough.
Asking if you support "two states for two peoples", is like asking if you believe it is safe for children to own Unicorns as pets.
Some will think, "Unicorns? I don't know, sounds dangerous, better to keep them away from kids."
Others will say, "Absolutely! If I had it my way, every child would have a mythical creature to play with after school."
In the end though, does it really matter what any one thinks about fictional things like unicorns, or the equally non-existent Palestinian negotiating partner?
And Furthermore, the poll failed to ask about any of the conditions which might be necessary, for a two-state solution to emerge.
How would the Israeli public have answered if asked, "Would you support a two-state solution even if it meant sharing Jerusalem as a capital city?
Or, "Would you support a two-state solution even if it meant accepting the right of return of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into Israel?"
Or giving up the Golan Heights?
Or how about negotiating with Hamas?
It is easy to say that you support a two-state solution when the question is posed devoid of context.
So considering that this poll was rigged to produce a positive result, I would argue that an overall support of 58% for a two-state solution, is rather underwhelming.
Netanyahu needs to tell Obama, that all-in-all Israel does support the dream of a two-state solution. What we will not support, however, is being forced into a two-state nightmare.
Most Israelis Support The Two-State Fantasy
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Matt
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3 comments:
Great post. I like the unicorn analogy a lot, and the suggestion for Netanyahu on his meeting with Obama.
That would be the most diplmatic and truthfu thing for Netanyahu tosay to Obama and truthful as well.
It is a dream. But in all probability a Palestinian state will mean the demise of Israel--this is what Hamas (the ruling party of the Palestinians) has as a part of their charter.
I wonder, if when Israelis say they want a two-state solution they don't really mean they'd just be happy to be rid of the Palestinians? A resignation and desire to just have them go on their way?
Also--these polls remind me of the American attitude when it comes to Islam. Even though Muslims murdered 3000 Americans on Sept. 11 we've been bombared with the "Islam is a religion of peace" as an almost daily affirmation.
After eight and a half years alot of Americans accept it as truth or just parrot the sentiment even though they don't really believe it. Either way it's a form of brainwashing.
I think Obama's position is mainly that it's time for Israel and Palastine to start dealing with their own problems and for the US to step out of the role that the Bush admin. took as arbitrator and big brother of Israel. I think he doesn't know what the solution should be any more than Israel does, but he thinks it should not be the US's decision to make nor the US's problem to figure out, so he's suggesting that the two parties involved come together and figure it out for themselves. Sounds reasonable to me.
Does that description sound accurate to you?
-Seth
ty for the great post.
but this "two-state fantasy" as we know never will come true... then more we will give to palestinians then more they will ask... their fantasy is death of israel as a state...
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