Antony, if as you say 'The vast majority of Israeli citizens oppose the settler movement' is there not some way that majority opinion can be validated through a referendum? The settlements in the West Bank are a significant cause of international disapprobation, and their dismantling would be an undeniable sign of Israel's commitment to peace and fairness. There is no way a Palestinian state can be viable if it contains an archipelago of Israeli settlements.

This article is totally unfounded and misinformed. The so-called "settlements" do not define Israel as a Jewish state. There are many other elements that do define Israel as Jewish and Zionist - let's just start with 3,000 years of history, culture and tradition. Israel is so much more than the selective information you fixate on. And also no different from any other western nation forging an identity. Please get better informed.

It emerged last year that the majority of Israelis would prefer less confrontation with Palistinians and a less militant settler program. This article provides some sensible support for something only idealogues would dispute.

The claim such settlements do not define Israel is correct but this isn't what is being said. The article point out support for an IDF-run government is just not there anymore. "Any other western nation forging an identity" typically follows the law.

Elly- If you take a look at the author's credentials and his publishing history, I dare say he *is* well informed on the situation- just because someone doesn't agree with your point of view doesn't mean they're not well informed.

I agree completely, I've met many Jewish people who are increasingly concerned about the settlements, of various political orientations. These issues need to be addressed by the international community.

We've been hearing about he end of Israel as a Jewish state since its inception. Wishful thinking on the part of some.

I have no Jewish connections, but I am always bemused by the enemies of Israel - most of whom seem to want what the Nazis started to be finished by Islamic thugs and racists.

this topic should righfully concern both parties
and a wise person wouldnt get involved with an abrahamic family feud
#
trouble is the world is getting suckkked into this cause
the main drive of witch is to bring on armogeddon [AGAIN]

lest we forget the plains OF armogeddon[blood up to the stryrups]
clearly the 1000 years down the pit has done little for those called israel[meaning wars with god]

so as a brother to both sides
i will remind them both of the wise words of their messiah
who when he came was rejected even by his own

[who spoke of our living loving god of life
the personal [one to one god]

creator and life giver to all lands [all life]

there is not one living not given life from god
not one who is not a child of the father

think
how is the life GIVER served by death?

think jesus [THE messiah] died to prove
[even a thief on a cross ;WILL BE all BORN AGAIN

ie not wait smouldering in their graves till some 'reserection ''DAY'

but hey here is a deal
free land
just prove you got the right dna

but as the messiah said [know them by their fruits]
if the tree is good[true it is of good/god.

but also to be as jesus [not able to even see evil] in anyone
thus his teaching

love god
love neighbour
[do unto others as you would have them do unto YOU]

THAT YOU DO TO THE LEAST
you do to him

[even a beast knows the voice of its master]
know the life giver
isnt served by murder