Israel's Likud Party: 'No' to Palestinian State

Israel’s Likud party has rejected the idea of a Palestinian state on the so-called West Bank and Gaza Strip. In reporting the story, the Washington Post says the vote, which went against Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, will "complicate future negotiations with Palestinians." Only if Israel is expected to give up a critical negotiating point before negotiations even begin.

It is Israel that has the most to lose. If it gives up land and accepts an enemy state next door, it puts the entire nation at risk. It would be something like having Canada run by Saddam Hussein and Mexico lead by Iranian Mullahs.

Israel should not be expected to concede anything until her enemies come to the bargaining table in good faith and without their weapons. So far, Israel’s enemies continue to make incendiary remarks about wiping out all of Israel. That’s not the kind of rhetoric that leads to concessions about a state before the violence has stopped. I say good for the Likud party. I’m Cal Thomas in Washington.

Originally published May 15, 2002.