Dear Avw,

Indeed, the purpose of Israel's continued presence in the West Bank is due to security concerns, for otherwise, the fanatic and violent Jewish settlers would start a civil war within Israel, which it cannot afford. If Netanyahu personally could have his way, then all those settlements would be gone long ago, but he has settler-supporting opponents from within his coalition, including within his own party, which he cannot do much about. He's walking on eggshells.

Dear Yuyutsu,

That is true, evacuation from the settlements could place Netanyahu’s governing coalition at risk, and this is a political manoeuvre he will have to carefully plan. It is also true that there are fanatic and violent settlers there that would fiercely resist evacuation from their settlements. However the settlers are still a minority that can be controlled. Most of the Israeli residents beyond the 1967 lines are not fanatic extremist but average folks drawn to the area because of the affordability of housing there. Given the right incentives, they will be happy to move.

Israel has pulled out of settlements before back in 2005, overcoming the protests and violent resistance of the fanatics, there’s no reason why they can’t do this again given the right conditions.

Jez Lego even vdub finds your view on the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians objectionable.

Can't have anyone acknowledging the actions of Israel as ethnic cleansing old boy.

vdub there you go again exposing that intellectual weakness.

Now you are trying to say it's mot ethnic cleansing because it isn't racially based and based on security concerns.

Wow have you seen the definition of ethnic cleansing? Of course you have, I've repeated it for you. What Israel is undertaking in both Gaza and the west bank fit's the description.

Why do you keep at it? You only sound sillier and sillier.

'Israel has pulled out of settlements before back in 2005,'

lol its state backed and funded settlers were forced out of Gaza.

'... average folks drawn to the area because of the affordability of housing there.'

lol yeah the land cost nothing, it was stolen. And now you think the original owners should buy it back. Exactly what century are you living in?

'...overcoming the protests and violent resistance of the fanatics,'

lol What Jewish fanatics? Are you sure? Aren't they supported, trained and armed by the Israeli government. Isn't that what Islamic terrorist supporters do?

Seems Netanyahu's chickens are coming home to roost.

hey vdud notice how the focus has turned away from Gaza to the West Bank, as I predicted ... using logic.

Liar
'How about violence committed in self defence? Or in protecting the innocent?'

What other interpretation can be put on this statement?
'I condemn all violence and vengeance.'

Dear Iamjulianutter,

<<'I condemn all violence and vengeance.'>>

Condemnation is cheap.

Avoiding violence in practice, is harder - not other people's violence, but your own: physical violence, verbal violence, even mental violence.

- Yes, including calling others 'Liar' and addressing them with derogatory modifications of their name.

Therefore, while it is agreed that the ideal is to never harm even an ant, not even a snake who is about to bite us, but to turn the other cheek instead, it is also agreed that this highest standard is for saints, not for ordinary people, who can be justified for acting violently in self defence.

Even while I may not identify with the national objectives of Israel as a state (nor of any other state), as my family lives in Israel, if the defence of my family requires ethnic cleansing of others, which I hope it doesn't, then I tell you straight in the face with no trace of shame, that I support it. Whoever is dreaming of killing my family should know that this will result in the extermination of their own people.

Good night.

Yu

Lego said I support the violence of Hamas.

That was a lie. He is fully aware of my position. He will not retract his lie. I am quite justified in calling him a liar.

The justification you have used to condone ethnic cleansing was the same justification the Nazis used in Europe.

Have you no shame?

Yu

Now what about vengeance?

Do you realize even vdub baulks at endorsing ethnic cleansing.