On Likud Party's rejection of Palestinian statehood

One day after the Arabs made their historic peace offer to Israel in late March, the government of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sent its troops into Palestinian territories, destroying cities and towns and diminishing hope for Middle East peace. Recently, three key Arab states reiterated their commitment to the Arab peace initiative, renewing their call on Israel to accept full withdrawal for full normal relations. Sharon's Likud Party responded to this offer by debating a resolution blocking the establishment of a Palestinian state.

It is the alarming insight the debate gives into the dangerous political and moral foundation of the party governing Israel and dominating its decision-making process.

The unequivocal commitment to peace that the Arabs have reiterated will strengthen the peace camp in Israel. It will also contribute to the downfall of his (Sharon's) extremist government and the defeat of Likud hawks who refuse to accept that in order for Israelis to live in peace, the Palestinians must also live in peace; that it is either peace for all or simply peace for no one.

-- The Jordan Times, Amman