Well, we can dispute that it's occupied, but the absolute Israeli control and their many check points, say that it is, as does the rest of the world and the UN.
None of the semantics, do anything but, add to the difficulties of getting a final two State solution, to this constantly compounded problem.
A conversation recently overhead.
Q: Why do you Jews always answer a question with a question?
A: Why shouldn't we?
Ah, semantics and Jewish perceptions or seemingly endless, let's discuss the discussion/acceptable form of words, excuse making delays.
I guess when the Jews have enough new settlements, this problem might actually be solved, by genuine people seeking a bona fide solution?
That said, we just may have to wait until all the old people die?

A few days ago, driving out of a small country town; I saw several well known local lawyers buried up to their necks in sand.
Pulling into a nearby servo, to refill, I asked the attendant, what was the significance of that, some charity drive or the like?
No, he replied, just a very severe, local shortage of sand!
Rhrosty.

Hi David S

I'm neutral on "occupied" and "disputed". I see this issue influences Israel's two capital situation: Jerusalem and Tel Aviv http://unitedwithisrael.org/jerusalem-or-tel-aviv/ .

For the record the Bob Carr, Gareth Evans article in question appears to be SMH article "Australia hinders progress in Middle East peace process" of June 8, 2014 at http://www.smh.com.au/comment/australia-hinders-progress-in-middle-east-peace-process-20140608-zs15x.html#ixzz352rFbvtO
---

G'day Rhrosty

Jewish Lawyer Joke

Bernie an old Jewish codger, was critically ill. Feeling that death was near, he called his lawyer.
"I want to become a lawyer. How much is it for that express degree you told me about?"
"It's $50,000", the lawyer said, "But why? You'll be dead soon, why do you want to become a lawyer?"
"That's my business!" answers Bernie, "Get me the course!"
Four days later, Bernie got his law degree. His lawyer was at his bedside making sure his bill would be paid.

Suddenly the old man was racked with fits of coughing, and it was clear that this would be the end. Still curious, the lawyer leaned over and said, "Please Bernie, before it's too late, tell me why you wanted to get a law degree so badly before you died?"
In a faint whisper, as he breathed his last, Bernie said: "One less Jewish lawyer".

Cheers

Pete

Negotiation of the 'semantic minefield' is unlikely to be a 'pressing necessity' for the Zionists since they have a very efficient ,US-supported war machine, there's no hurry, the project is unfinished.

Im confused. Is it Occupied or occupied? Does it matter if we say Disputed or is it disputed?
Is it all some sort of sick joke?

Hi mikk

Both "occupied" and "disputed" makes life harder for Jews and Arabs http://youtu.be/jgxV6-9tqok . Lucky Australia didn't start to be divided between English and French in 1788. The French under http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Fran%C3%A7ois_de_Galaup,_comte_de_Lap%C3%A9rouse#Australia arrived in Botany Bay just at the moment Captain Phillip arrived in 1788.

We can count our blessings we in Australia had no English-French wars like Canada, no English-Maori Wars like New Zealand, no Civil Wars like US, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, no continuous fighting and bombings like in Israel's little empire.

Pete

#Rhrosty

If East Jerusalem and the West Bank are "occupied territory" - to whom does such territory belong?

#mac

There was not one Jew living in East Jerusalem or the West Bank between 1948-1967. They had all been driven out by six invading Arab armies.

To whom did those territories belong during that period of 19 years?

#mikk

It is not a sick joke.

"Occupied territory" means that the territory in question belongs to someone to the total exclusion of anyone else. "Disputed territory" means there is more than one claimant to that territory.

#Plantaganet

I watched the video you suggested. Chadar's and Amer's infinite patience in putting their children through the daily grind and stress of travelling from their home east of the Wall to their school in Jerusalem west of the Wall could be alleviated by sending their children to a more easily accessible school.

Obviously that is their choice - just as parents in Hornsby choose to send their kids to private schools in the Eastern Suburbs or lower North Shore necessitating very long hours of travel and stress that could be avoided by changing to schools in their immediate area.

The Wall and checkpoints are regrettably necessary to protect Israelis against potential terrorist attacks.

The frustrations at the lengthy delays experienced by Chadar and Amer at the checkpoints they described are understandable but mild compared to Syrian checkpoints where extra-judicial killings, sexual assaults, beatings, enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests take place on a daily basis.

The sooner a settlement is negotiated the sooner these frustrations will end. Given that attempts over the last 20 years between Israel and the PLO have failed to bring that about - any hope this will shortly eventuate is being extremely optimistic.

That is why I have been advocating for Jordan to replace the PLO as Israel's Arab partner to negotiate the future of East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Jordan was the last Arab State to occupy the West Bank between 1950-1967 - albeit illegally.

Jordan is part of the problem. It must be part of the solution.