With the Palestinians already threatening to walk out of peace talks over charges of Israeli transgressions, Israel’s leadership is demanding that Israeli troops remain stationed at the border of a future Palestinian state. The negotiations, which are always in the "tender" stage and always in danger of breaking down entirely, will likely take a major hit with this latest wrinkle. Palestinians want Israel to extend the hiatus that is holding off Jewish construction on the West Bank, but it is scheduled to expire on Sunday.
In the event that negotiations break down, Israeli military leaders have informed lawmakers that they are preparing for clashes between their troops and Palestinians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that his primary concern, at all times and without exception, is the security of the Jewish state. Said Netanyahu in response to a Palestinian call for international peacekeepers to be stationed in the West Bank, "I don’t believe that under these circumstances, international troops will do the job. The only force that can be relied on to defend the Jewish people is the Israeli Defense Force."
According to Palestinian spokesman Husam Zomlot, however, "not one Israeli soldier" will ever be allowed to remain in a Palestinian state. According to Zomlot, "An international presence will be able to monitor and enforce security once the political situation has been sorted out." Palestinian military leader Lt. General Gabi Ashkenazi noted, "The Palestinians have sober expectations that something positive will come out of the talks. The level of expectations will produce a similar level of disappointment (if they fail)."
Will the Peace Hold Between Egypt and Israel?
Two-thirds of Egyptians who are under the age of 30 grew up in a period of peace
In the event that negotiations break down, Israeli military leaders have informed lawmakers that they are preparing for clashes between their troops and Palestinians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that his primary concern, at all times and without exception, is the security of the Jewish state. Said Netanyahu in response to a Palestinian call for international peacekeepers to be stationed in the West Bank, "I don’t believe that under these circumstances, international troops will do the job. The only force that can be relied on to defend the Jewish people is the Israeli Defense Force."
According to Palestinian spokesman Husam Zomlot, however, "not one Israeli soldier" will ever be allowed to remain in a Palestinian state. According to Zomlot, "An international presence will be able to monitor and enforce security once the political situation has been sorted out." Palestinian military leader Lt. General Gabi Ashkenazi noted, "The Palestinians have sober expectations that something positive will come out of the talks. The level of expectations will produce a similar level of disappointment (if they fail)."
Will the Peace Hold Between Egypt and Israel?
Two-thirds of Egyptians who are under the age of 30 grew up in a period of peace
