Dear David Singer,

For once I agree with you. Unfortunately diplomatic recognition is no longer concerned with the actual criteria of what does or doesn't constitute a state. It denotes approval or disapproval of a particular entity. This, in effect, cuts off the possibility of negotiation with an entity one disapproves of through the regular diplomatic channels created for such a purpose.

Your point David? Or are Christians seen as just another bargaining chip in Netanyahu's resistance to a two state solution.

You need to remain cognisant that the only real ally Israel has is a large Christian country; not content with their fellow Christians being used as virtual hostage material; in the game of ducks and drakes playing out in the Israeli Parliament nowadays?

As a slippery Nethanyahu tries with every trick, [including moral blackmail?] in the book to wriggle out of conceding/committing to a two state solution and peace in our time!
Rhrosty.

The israel government does not want peace. They cannot claim poor us if there is peace.

""Palestine" – not a State – is recognised as a State. "Islamic State" – a State – is not recognised as a State." So true.

We get the politicians who are least repugnant. Their value being mainly entertainment.

Like the joke of the Priest (smoking a joint) and the Rabbi (a full forward in the AFL) crossing the Nile.

But I'll leave that for another day.

#david f

A breakthrough of epic proportions in your agreeing with anything I have to say.

Maybe one day the same will happen between Israel and the Palestinian Arabs in relation to the West Bank and Gaza - although after twenty years of on and off negotiations I wouldn't be holding my breath.

It is indeed time for Jordan and Israel to begin direct negotiations to allocate sovereignty in the West Bank and Gaza between their two respective States.

#Rhrosty

What do you mean by the statement "not content with their fellow Christians being used as virtual hostage material"

Where are Christians being held as "virtual hostage material"?

BTW - the two-state solution was first proposed in 1923 and came into existence in 1946 when the Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan became an independent State in about 78% of Palestine - followd in 1948 when Israel became an independent State in about 17% of Palestine - with sovereignty still unallocated in the remaining 5% in 2015.

#lamp

Israel has made peace with Egypt and Jordan - but has been unable to do so with the Palestinian Arabs despite making offers in 2000/1 and 2008 which would have seen the Palestinian Arabs ending up with more than 90% of the territory they have been demanding.

You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink.

Maybe your lamp needs a new globe or a new battery.