The comments of President Bush in Israel show he does not have a grasp of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. He said it is up to the Palestinians if they want a new state or the status Quo. The truth is it depends on BOTH Israel and the Palestinians to have ANY chance of a settlement.
The issues that have prevented a settlement will require MAJOR changes by BOTH sides. When Bush says it depends on the Palestinians he shows a lack of real understanding of the reasons why no settlement has taken place.
Israeli Issues:
Jewish settlements outside of Israel.
Freedom of movement of the Palestinians (Gaza and West Bank).
End Occupation of ALL Palestinian Territory.
Return of Palestinians to Israel.
Borders of Israel.
Jerusalem.
Palestinian Issues:
Recognize Israel’s right to exist (sign Peace Treaty).
End attacks on Israel by ALL Palestinian factions.
Accept borders of new Palestinian State.
Agree on status of Jerusalem.
Today Bush said the Palestinian state must be Contiguous. The President needs to look at a map. Gaza and the West Bank are separated by Israel. How does one create a Contiguous State given that reality?
It will take agreement on ALL the above to achieve a lasting peace agreement. That means MAJOR concessions by BOTH sides and it is clear that Abbas does not have control of Hamas and Olmert is very unpopular among Israelis and it is doubtful that he could get the Israeli Government and people to accept the compromises needed on the Israeli side. If Bush had started this process 7 years ago the task would have been hard. To resole these issues by January 20, 2009 is most unlikely.