More than half back two-state Israel plan

[tinnypriv]

More than half back two-state Israel plan
The Independent, Ma'ariv, 23/34 November 2003

Support is growing among Israelis and Palestinians for a two-state solution based on mutual recognition, an almost total Israeli withdrawal from territory captured in the 1967 war, division of Jerusalem and an end to the conflict.

A poll published yesterday revealed that 55.6 per cent of Palestinians and 53 per cent of Israelis backed the principles of the Geneva Accords, an unofficial peace plan drafted by the ex-Israeli minister Yossi Beilin and Yasser Abed Rabbo, formerly a senior figure in the Palestinian Authority.

A Washington think-tank, the Baker Institute, commissioned the survey, which asked 1,241 Israelis and Palestinians for their views on the peace plan's terms without mentioning it by name. More than half of them approved.

...

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=466568
http://images.maariv.co.il/cache/ART592506.html (hebrew)

...

Comment: Ma'ariv mentions that the interviews were done face-to-face, rather than over the phone. This is considered "more reliable". It also outlines what principles were read to the respondents (not mentioned in The Independent):

* two independent states, Israel and Palestine
* limited right of return (other countries)
* border will be 1967 borders, with minor modifications
* division of Jerusalem, along Arab and Jewish lines
* international involvement in settling of disputes/implementation.

Israelis: 53%
Palestinians: 55.6%

1,241 respondents

(incidentially, Geneva is being sold to Israelis on better terms than this: in ads, the covering letter to Israelis, the official website etc. Can provide more details on that if anyone requires it)

[pasadenaboy]

1. Of course.

Its the only solution that will avoid genocide. If they don't reach an agreement, one side will wipe out the other.

[tinnypriv]

3. Correction

There is no way the Palestinians, or the Arabs will wipe out Israel.

If anybody is going the way of the native americans, it is the Pals. Israel ain't going anywhere - they're not the most powerful force in the middle east (by a long way) for nothing.

[pasadenaboy]

5. its a question of numbers

Its the birthrate. The palestinians are reproducing at much greater numbers. Even the arab israelis are reproducing at a faster rate. Eventually like the white south africans, they will have to make a deal, or the situation becomes untenable.

[tinnypriv]

7. If it gets to that point, there won't be a deal to make (nt)

[The Magistrate]

2. Excellent News, Mr. Priv

As usual, the people are far more sensible than their leaders.

[Lithos]

4. LOL

Too true...

L-

[Jack Rabbit]

6. Rimshot!

[Jack Rabbit]

8. The Geneva Accord enjoys popularity

It is also encouraging to see that the Geneva Accord enjoys so much popularity. Hopefully, we will soon see Arafat and Sharon replaced with people who are interested in pursuing this course.

It would also help if Bush is replaced with somebody who could act as a facilitator in negotiations.

[Muddleoftheroad]

9. The problem

Those who object, do so with such vehemence that it will nullify the other votes.

[tinnypriv]

10. Like yourself for instance

You object to "dividing" Jerusalem. :shrug:

You also support the wall which will invalidate Geneva. :shrug:

I doubt you support evacuating Ari'el and Efrat, which are both provisions of Geneva. :shrug:

I'm certain you don't think the Palestinians should have sovereignty over Temple Mount either. :shrug:

Etc...

[Muddleoftheroad]

12. I love it when people speak for me

Yes, I object to dividing Jerusalem, it is the capital of Israel.

I support a wall for Israel's defense.

I have multiple issues with Geneva.

I do think Palestinians should retain control over the Temple Mount as long as they agree to ongoing monitoring so they don't continue archaelogical work that goes INTO the mount itself.

[Violet_Crumble]

11. How is that a problem?

If a majority of voters support the Geneva Accords, how can the vehemence of those who don't support its two-state solution translate that vehemence into voting power? Does a certain level of vehemence give some folk more than one vote each or something? ;)

Violet...

[Muddleoftheroad]

13. Those who totally oppose peace

Like Islamic Jihad and Hamas have lots of guns and bombs and create enough chaos to invalidate any treaty. Especially since the Palestinian leadership won't do anything about them.