Your thought on the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians

Gaza, I got a funny joke for you.

Maybe Major will understand this as well. It's usually told in arabic, but I dont wanna type a whole paragraph in Arab/english.

There's this guy Ahmad. He left lebanon for a while to get his doctors degree, and when he came back he went to his friend's house, Abu Abid. After a couple minutes of reminiscing, Ahmad tells Abu Abid that he's looking for a wife.

Abu Abid tells him: Dont worry brother, I know someone perfect for you, my sister.

Ahmad tells him: idk.......your sister is too skinny, I like women with some meat on them.

Abu Abid tells him: you haven't seen my sister in years, you should meet her, she looks totally different now.

Ahmad agrees. Now, Abu Abid tells his sister to put on the nicest clothes, make up, etc to impress Ahmad. When Ahmad meets the sister, he is blown away by how beautiful she is and agrees to marry her.

On their wedding night, Ahmad and his wife start undressing....what does Ahmad find under her dress? Fvckin newspapers......

wtf....man, her dress was stuffed with fvckin newspapers.

Ahmad flips out and calls abu abid

[spoiler] ABU ABID!!!!!!!! KOS 2O5TAK AYA SAFHA??? [/spoiler]

[QUOTE="themajormayor"]

[QUOTE="GazaAli"] 20% is not a minority. You have to take into account that within Israeli politics you have all sorts of political philosophies, not just religious and secular. So between the religious, the secular, the independent, the socialists, the Arabs and others, 20% is not a minority. I mean you have to take relativity into account here. Right wing does not necessarily mean religious, but it agrees on a lot of things with religious parties, even if this agreement stems from different incentives and ideologies. The important thing is that it reinforces the same values of war mongering and political arrogance. Although I must say that things would not have necessarily turned out to be better if the left was in a better situation right now. I'm just saying its a possibility. The left ruled at times when the conflict was still fresh and its two sides were at direct and plain military confrontation. Now the conflict has ripen and its two sides are worn out, relatively speaking with each side in its own context and settings.GazaAli

Well 20% is a minority in any case. What you're meaning is that they could be a plurality. But just look at labour and yesh atid alone being about 25%. And while I see your point, when we talk about secularism there is only one scale. So maybe meretz and labour disagrees on many things, but they would vote similarily on religious questions. I think is your point is that a party like Likud which is right wing is secular but not secular enough to refuse to give in to this balance of power that small religious parties have. I agree with this. But it's still far from making it a theocratic state.

Yeah well I would not vote right wing in any case. I hope they become more left wing. 

[QUOTE="themajormayor"]

[QUOTE="KC_Hokie"]It's a territory map in terms of demographics. The Palestinian population may be larger than it was 30 years ago but in terms of territory populated by Palestinians they are losing territory while Israel is colonizing what was once Palestinian areas just 20 years ago.KC_Hokie

[QUOTE="GazaAli"][QUOTE="BossPerson"]the vagina of the sister of his image BossPerson

[QUOTE="KC_Hokie"][QUOTE="themajormayor"]

themajormayor

[spoiler] ABU ABID!!!!!!!! KOS 2O5TAK AYA SAFHA??? [/spoiler]

BossPerson

:lol::lol::lol:

another one: A guy goes to a pharmacy.

He tells the pharmacist: give me a condom and an advil.

The pharmacist says ok, and gives him the stuff.

The guy fills the condom up with water, puts the advil in and starts shaking it.

Pharmacist: uh.......wtf are you doing man?

the guy: bidi neek okht il rahish

[QUOTE="themajormayor"][QUOTE="KC_Hokie"]Yea...most of those Arabs in Israeli territory are Israeli citizens not Palestinians. KC_Hokie

another one: A guy goes to a pharmacy.

He tells the pharmacist: give me a condom and an advil.

The pharmacist says ok, and gives him the stuff.

The guy fills the condom up with water, puts the advil in and starts shaking it.

Pharmacist: uh.......wtf are you doing man?

the guy: bidi neek okht il rahish

BossPerson

another one: A guy goes to a pharmacy.

He tells the pharmacist: give me a condom and an advil.

The pharmacist says ok, and gives him the stuff.

The guy fills the condom up with water, puts the advil in and starts shaking it.

Pharmacist: uh.......wtf are you doing man?

the guy: bidi neek okht il rahish

BossPerson

I want something sister something

[QUOTE="BossPerson"]

another one: A guy goes to a pharmacy.

He tells the pharmacist: give me a condom and an advil.

The pharmacist says ok, and gives him the stuff.

The guy fills the condom up with water, puts the advil in and starts shaking it.

Pharmacist: uh.......wtf are you doing man?

the guy: bidi neek okht il rahish

GazaAli

[QUOTE="KC_Hokie"][QUOTE="themajormayor"] They were never Palestinian citizens in the first place. So that negates about everything you said then.themajormayor

And eventually there will be no 'Palestine' at this rate.

[QUOTE="themajormayor"]

[QUOTE="KC_Hokie"] Over time they either accepted Israeli citizenship, fled or were pushed out during conflict. That's why Israeli territory keeps growing while Palestinian territory is shrinking.KC_Hokie

And eventually there will be no 'Palestine' at this rate.

Here is one, hopefully themajor will get it.
A woman decides to take a shower and give her little son one too.
She never takes a shower with him. She thinks it over and says to herself "He's a little boy its ok".
So they go to the bathroom and she undresses after undressing the son.
Now the son look at her vagina and says "Mom why don't you have one down there?"
The woman does not know what to say so she just says "Someone once struck me with a knife down there"
The boy says "2of hada ejja fi nos kossek" :P

[QUOTE="KC_Hokie"]

[QUOTE="themajormayor"] aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

themajormayor

And eventually there will be no 'Palestine' at this rate.

last one:

Syrians and Lebs have always had a feud with each other, they like to give each other a hard time. There's a Syrian guy who works in Lebanon. Every day he travels there and then travels back home in Syria.

One day he goes and the border guard says. "Alright ill let you go, but only if you solve a riddle"

"wtf man are you serious?" says the Syrian.." alright fine"

border guard: What has two wheels and an engine?

syrian: um...... a motorcycle?

guard: no, you never told me if it was a honda motorcycle or a suzuki motorcycle. Ill give you another chance though with another riddle. "What has four wheels and an engine?"

Syrian: um......a car?

Guard: No, you never told me if it was a ford, a toyota, a honda........

Syrian: Alright, a55hole, I have a riddle for you. If you cant solve it I pass through. Whats in between a woman's legs?

Guard: um.....a kos?

Syrian: No, you never told if if it was KOS IMAK or KOS IKHTAK

last one:

Syrians and Lebs have always had a feud with each other, they like to give each other a hard time. There's a Syrian guy who works in Lebanon. Every day he travels there and then travels back home in Syria.

One day he goes and the border guard says. "Alright ill let you go, but only if you solve a riddle"

"wtf man are you serious?" says the Syrian.." alright fine"

border guard: What has two wheels and an engine?

syrian: um...... a motorcycle?

guard: no, you never told me if it was a honda motorcycle or a suzuki motorcycle. Ill give you another chance though with another riddle. "What has four wheels and an engine?"

Syrian: um......a car?

Guard: No, you never told me if it was a ford, a toyota, a honda........

Syrian: Alright, a55hole, I have a riddle for you. If you cant solve it I pass through. Whats in between a woman's legs?

Guard: um.....a kos?

Syrian: No, you never told if if it was KOS IMAK or KOS IKHTAK

BossPerson

[QUOTE="BossPerson"]

last one:

Syrians and Lebs have always had a feud with each other, they like to give each other a hard time. There's a Syrian guy who works in Lebanon. Every day he travels there and then travels back home in Syria.

One day he goes and the border guard says. "Alright ill let you go, but only if you solve a riddle"

"wtf man are you serious?" says the Syrian.." alright fine"

border guard: What has two wheels and an engine?

syrian: um...... a motorcycle?

guard: no, you never told me if it was a honda motorcycle or a suzuki motorcycle. Ill give you another chance though with another riddle. "What has four wheels and an engine?"

Syrian: um......a car?

Guard: No, you never told me if it was a ford, a toyota, a honda........

Syrian: Alright, a55hole, I have a riddle for you. If you cant solve it I pass through. Whats in between a woman's legs?

Guard: um.....a kos?

Syrian: No, you never told if if it was KOS IMAK or KOS IKHTAK

GazaAli

idk if anyone tells jokes better than lebs. they have to much times on their hands

[QUOTE="GazaAli"][QUOTE="BossPerson"]

last one:

Syrians and Lebs have always had a feud with each other, they like to give each other a hard time. There's a Syrian guy who works in Lebanon. Every day he travels there and then travels back home in Syria.

One day he goes and the border guard says. "Alright ill let you go, but only if you solve a riddle"

"wtf man are you serious?" says the Syrian.." alright fine"

border guard: What has two wheels and an engine?

syrian: um...... a motorcycle?

guard: no, you never told me if it was a honda motorcycle or a suzuki motorcycle. Ill give you another chance though with another riddle. "What has four wheels and an engine?"

Syrian: um......a car?

Guard: No, you never told me if it was a ford, a toyota, a honda........

Syrian: Alright, a55hole, I have a riddle for you. If you cant solve it I pass through. Whats in between a woman's legs?

Guard: um.....a kos?

Syrian: No, you never told if if it was KOS IMAK or KOS IKHTAK

BossPerson

As long as Palestine doesn't be an ass and complies with Israel's terms then we might have a chance at peace.

Troll bait thread.

[QUOTE="GazaAli"][QUOTE="BossPerson"]

last one:

Syrians and Lebs have always had a feud with each other, they like to give each other a hard time. There's a Syrian guy who works in Lebanon. Every day he travels there and then travels back home in Syria.

One day he goes and the border guard says. "Alright ill let you go, but only if you solve a riddle"

"wtf man are you serious?" says the Syrian.." alright fine"

border guard: What has two wheels and an engine?

syrian: um...... a motorcycle?

guard: no, you never told me if it was a honda motorcycle or a suzuki motorcycle. Ill give you another chance though with another riddle. "What has four wheels and an engine?"

Syrian: um......a car?

Guard: No, you never told me if it was a ford, a toyota, a honda........

Syrian: Alright, a55hole, I have a riddle for you. If you cant solve it I pass through. Whats in between a woman's legs?

Guard: um.....a kos?

Syrian: No, you never told if if it was KOS IMAK or KOS IKHTAK

BossPerson

idk if anyone tells jokes better than lebs. they have to much times on their hands

Logic dictates that Israel must eventually attempt a wholesale ethnic cleansing of Palestine, whether by forced removal, by genocide or by a combination of both.

There can be no "two state" solution, because Israel's Jewish-only settlements and Jewish-only roads have rendered a viable Palestinian state impossible.

There can be no "one state" solution based on current demographics, because Israel is not prepared to abandon its identity as a racially-pure "Jewish state".

And so the atrocity of ethnic cleansing on an almost unimaginable scale shall come to pass and shall be committed with impunity. The US will condone it, if not assist it. The EU will wring its hands (and do nothing else). And the Islamic nations of the Middle East will be as feckless as always because they'll be too busy fighting with each other over who should have succeeded Muhammad 1381 years ago.

Logic dictates that Israel must eventually attempt a wholesale ethnic cleansing of Palestine, whether by forced removal, by genocide or by a combination of both.

There can be no "two state" solution, because Israel's Jewish-only settlements and Jewish-only roads have rendered a viable Palestinian state impossible.

There can be no "one state" solution based on current demographics, because Israel is not prepared to abandon its identity as a racially-pure "Jewish state".

And so the atrocity of ethnic cleansing on an almost unimaginable scale shall come to pass and shall be committed with impunity. The US will condone it, if not assist it. The EU will wring its hands (and do nothing else). And the Islamic nations of the Middle East will be as feckless as always because they'll be too busy fighting with each other over who should have succeeded Muhammad 1381 years ago.

 

Stesilaus

There are no Jewish-only settlements or roads. Furthermore Israeli settlements have far from made a Palestinian state unviable. They occupy a very small percentage of the area of the west bank and most of them are adjacent to the green line thus not harming the continuity of a Palestinian state. The rest can become citizens of a Palestinian state or move to Israel. Something Israel has already shown being capable of.

That's not Israel's identity. Israel is the one of the least "racially pure" states in the world. Always has been and always has defining its identity.

It's almost impossible for anything to be accomplished now. Palestine wants old Israel borders restored but Israelites are already living beyond those border currently and they do not want to live in Palestine or move from their homes. I don't see any thing that these two countries would come up with that would resolve this situation. It will end it failure like it normally does. Both countries are responsible for their current situation. I wish they could both put the past behind them and live with the current situation. ferrari2001

 

There are no Jewish-only settlements or roads. Furthermore Israeli settlements have far from made a Palestinian state unviable. They occupy a very small percentage of the area of the west bank and most of them are adjacent to the green line thus not harming the continuity of a Palestinian state. The rest can become citizens of a Palestinian state or move to Israel. Something Israel has already shown being capable of.

 

That's not Israel's identity. Israel is the one of the least "racially pure" states in the world. Always has been and always has defining its identity.

themajormayor

There ARE Jewish settlements and roads, or at least non-Arabs ones. And Israeli settlements in the west bank seriously undermines a contiguous  future Palestinian state. I have many friends from the west bank and they live that reality. At the present time and without a Palestinian state, settlements considerably dismantle cities and villages in the west bank.

On their website, CEPR (Council for European-Palestinian Relations) writes:

"

Settlements in Numbers

Number of settlements: There are currently 121 Israeli settlements and approximately 102 Israeli outposts built illegally on Palestinian land occupied militarily by Israel since 1967 (West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights). The largest of the illegal settlements is Modi'in Ilit, with a population of 46,245 as of 2009. Foundation for Middle East Peace

East Jerusalem and the adjacent West Bank "settlement blocs" of Givat Zeev (extending to the edges of the Palestinian city of Ramallah) and Maale Adumim (extending almost halfway to Jericho) are all on the west side of Israel's "separation barrier" in what is sometimes referred to as the "Jerusalem envelope." This means that Palestinian East Jerusalem is separated and to an increasing degree sealed off from the rest of the West Bank.

Israel withdrew its 8,000 settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005, showing it can be done; however, it continues to control entry to and exit from the crowded enclave, and to enter at will with its military.

Population: These settlements and outposts are inhabited by a population of some 462,000 Israeli settlers: 191,000 live in settlements around Jerusalem and an additional 271,400 are spread throughout the West Bank. Approximately 385,000 of those settlers, in 80 settlements, will be located between the Separation Wall and the Green Line if Israel adheres to projected plans. Palestine Monitor

Land and Infrastructure: Settlements are built on less than 3 percent of the area of the West Bank. However, due to the extensive network of settler roads and restrictions on Palestinians accessing their own land, Israeli settlements dominate more than 40 percent of the West Bank. Palestine Monitor

As of August 2008, there were 794 kilometers of bypass roads in the West Bank. All bypass roads have a 5075m buffer zone on each side, where no construction is allowed. These buffer zones have led to a great loss of agricultural and privately owned Palestinian land.Palestine Monitor

Resources:Settlements are the cause of great inequalities in access to natural resources between Israelis and Palestinians. Many settlements are built on prime agricultural land confiscated from Palestinians, or on key water resources such as the Western Aquifer basin, springs and wells. Israeli West Bank settlers consume an amazing 280 liters of water per day per person compared to 86 liters per day available for Palestinians in the West Bank - only 60 of which are considered potable. The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 100 liters per day meaning that settlers use far more than double the water required, while Palestinians do not even approach the minimum. Palestine Monitor

The settlements are commonly positioned on hilltops overlooking Palestinian communities, and the wastewater is frequently discharged into nearby valleys without treatment. Moreover, solid waste generated in Israel is dumped without restriction in the occupied territories. Solid waste from West Jerusalem, for example, is transferred to an unsanitary West Bank dumping site at Abu Dis, which overlays the infiltration area of the Eastern Aquifer. Similarly, many Jewish settlements dump their solid waste in the West Bank, as do many military bases and communities located inside Israel. The Jerusalem Fund

The Psychology of Settlements

Settlers living in the blocks surrounding Jerusalem largely identify themselves as 'economic settlers' -- those who have been enticed to settle in occupied lands by the variety of public and private incentives offered by the government. While most government incentives for settlers, such as grants and tax breaks, were eliminated under Prime Minister Ariel. Sharon, Israelis can often still obtain more advantageous mortgages for homes in settlements.

In contrast, the settlers who have populated the area around East Jerusalem, Nablus and Hebron, for example, are doing so based on extreme religious convictions. These individuals are known as members of the "Gush Emunim" or Bloc of the Faithful. These settlers believe that Israel's success in the 1967 war was a sign of messianic redemption, and today they view the settler movement as the return of the Jewish people to their biblical homeland. "For religious settlers, Arabs are an alien element in the organic unity of Jews and their land," writes Gadi Taub, assistant professor of communications and public policy at Jerusalem's Hebrew University. "Although the occupation and the suspension of Palestinian rights are officially temporary, the right wing aspires to keep Arabs indefinitely in quasi-colonial status." These religious, or "ideological," settlers are relatively few around 130,000 of the total half-a-million but their actions have an outsized-impact. Op-ed, The New York Times For example, the number of extremist religious Jews joining the Israeli army, and assuming leadership positions there, is currently on the rise. Thirty percent of recruits who graduate from the preliminary course required for joining the army describe themselves as "religious Zionists." This represents a huge increase from 20 years ago, when the rate was closer to 2.5 percent. (It should also be noted that today, only 12 percent of the general population of Israel describe themselves as "religious Zionists," which means that the percentage within the Israeli army is more than double that of the general population.) A number of extremist Rabbis have begun warning Israeli troops against the consequences of evacuating Jewish settlers from their homes, saying that performing such an act would be in violation of the Ten Commandments revealed to Prophet Moses from Almighty God. Asharq Alawsat  

Settlers often carry out violent attacks against Palestinians and their property with complete legal immunity, and often with more than implicit support from the military itself. In fact, Israeli soldiers often protect and assist settlers, and legal proceedings are rarely brought against them. While Israeli settler violence against Palestinians is a daily occurrence in the occupied Palestinian territory, it particularly intensifies during the annual olive harvest mostly in the vicinity of Nablus. In many cases, settler violence is used as a means to discourage Palestinians from harvesting their land. During August through October 2010, Palestinians in the West Bank reported a total of 277 cases of settler violence ranging from arracks with knives, bats or fists; to arson; to the use of live ammunition. PLO Negotiations Affairs Dept.  

Hebron also is a target for settler violence. In 1997, Israel divided the city of Hebron into two zones: 90,000 of the city's inhabitants came under Palestinian jurisdiction (H1), whereas 40,000 Palestinian Hebronites remained under direct Israeli occupation (H2), for the sake of about 450 Israeli settlers (0.3% of the total population) living among them. The Jewish settlers of Hebron are fanatic extremists even by Israeli standards. They regularly ransack Palestinian shops, cut electricity lines and water pipes, wreck cars and attack schoolchildren. Ran HaCohen 

Another "hot spot" for settler expansion and violence is in neighborhoods in and around East Jerusalem, including Silwan and Sheikh Jarrah. An estimated 2,000 settlers live in these neighborhoods , in houses which have been expropriated by means of the Absentee Property Law, on the basis of alleged prior Jewish ownership, in buildings purchased from Palestinian owners, and in residences custom-built and financed by settler organizations. In addition to this residential presence, settlement activity in these areas is characterized by archaeological activity and the creation of tourist sites and visitor centers. UN OCHA in OPT

In the most severe cases, settler expropriation has resulted in the loss of property and the eviction of the long-term Palestinian residents. Other humanitarian consequences include restrictions on public space and residential growth in areas already severely overcrowded and inadequate services. In addition, the close proximity of settler and Palestinian residents, with the added military presence that comes with sustained settler presence, magnifies the potential for tension and violence: human rights organizations reported in November 2010 a sharp increase in the number of children arrested by the Israeli authorities in Silwan, following clashes with settlers and security guards. UN OCHA in OPT"

Do you still say "There are no Jewish-only settlements or roads. Furthermore Israeli settlements have far from made a Palestinian state unviable. They occupy a very small percentage of the area of the west bank and most of them are adjacent to the green line thus not harming the continuity of a Palestinian state"?

[QUOTE="themajormayor"]

 

There are no Jewish-only settlements or roads. Furthermore Israeli settlements have far from made a Palestinian state unviable. They occupy a very small percentage of the area of the west bank and most of them are adjacent to the green line thus not harming the continuity of a Palestinian state. The rest can become citizens of a Palestinian state or move to Israel. Something Israel has already shown being capable of.

 

That's not Israel's identity. Israel is the one of the least "racially pure" states in the world. Always has been and always has defining its identity.

GazaAli

There ARE Jewish settlements and roads, or at least non-Arabs ones. And Israeli settlements in the west bank seriously undermines a contiguous  future Palestinian state. I have many friends from the west bank and they live that reality. At the present time and without a Palestinian state, settlements considerably dismantle cities and villages in the west bank.

On their website, CEPR (Council for European-Palestinian Relations) writes:

"

Settlements in Numbers

Number of settlements: There are currently 121 Israeli settlements and approximately 102 Israeli outposts built illegally on Palestinian land occupied militarily by Israel since 1967 (West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights). The largest of the illegal settlements is Modi'in Ilit, with a population of 46,245 as of 2009. Foundation for Middle East Peace

East Jerusalem and the adjacent West Bank "settlement blocs" of Givat Zeev (extending to the edges of the Palestinian city of Ramallah) and Maale Adumim (extending almost halfway to Jericho) are all on the west side of Israel's "separation barrier" in what is sometimes referred to as the "Jerusalem envelope." This means that Palestinian East Jerusalem is separated and to an increasing degree sealed off from the rest of the West Bank.

Israel withdrew its 8,000 settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005, showing it can be done; however, it continues to control entry to and exit from the crowded enclave, and to enter at will with its military.

Population: These settlements and outposts are inhabited by a population of some 462,000 Israeli settlers: 191,000 live in settlements around Jerusalem and an additional 271,400 are spread throughout the West Bank. Approximately 385,000 of those settlers, in 80 settlements, will be located between the Separation Wall and the Green Line if Israel adheres to projected plans. Palestine Monitor

Land and Infrastructure: Settlements are built on less than 3 percent of the area of the West Bank. However, due to the extensive network of settler roads and restrictions on Palestinians accessing their own land, Israeli settlements dominate more than 40 percent of the West Bank. Palestine Monitor

As of August 2008, there were 794 kilometers of bypass roads in the West Bank. All bypass roads have a 5075m buffer zone on each side, where no construction is allowed. These buffer zones have led to a great loss of agricultural and privately owned Palestinian land.Palestine Monitor

Resources:Settlements are the cause of great inequalities in access to natural resources between Israelis and Palestinians. Many settlements are built on prime agricultural land confiscated from Palestinians, or on key water resources such as the Western Aquifer basin, springs and wells. Israeli West Bank settlers consume an amazing 280 liters of water per day per person compared to 86 liters per day available for Palestinians in the West Bank - only 60 of which are considered potable. The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 100 liters per day meaning that settlers use far more than double the water required, while Palestinians do not even approach the minimum. Palestine Monitor

The settlements are commonly positioned on hilltops overlooking Palestinian communities, and the wastewater is frequently discharged into nearby valleys without treatment. Moreover, solid waste generated in Israel is dumped without restriction in the occupied territories. Solid waste from West Jerusalem, for example, is transferred to an unsanitary West Bank dumping site at Abu Dis, which overlays the infiltration area of the Eastern Aquifer. Similarly, many Jewish settlements dump their solid waste in the West Bank, as do many military bases and communities located inside Israel. The Jerusalem Fund

The Psychology of Settlements

Settlers living in the blocks surrounding Jerusalem largely identify themselves as 'economic settlers' -- those who have been enticed to settle in occupied lands by the variety of public and private incentives offered by the government. While most government incentives for settlers, such as grants and tax breaks, were eliminated under Prime Minister Ariel. Sharon, Israelis can often still obtain more advantageous mortgages for homes in settlements.

In contrast, the settlers who have populated the area around East Jerusalem, Nablus and Hebron, for example, are doing so based on extreme religious convictions. These individuals are known as members of the "Gush Emunim" or Bloc of the Faithful. These settlers believe that Israel's success in the 1967 war was a sign of messianic redemption, and today they view the settler movement as the return of the Jewish people to their biblical homeland. "For religious settlers, Arabs are an alien element in the organic unity of Jews and their land," writes Gadi Taub, assistant professor of communications and public policy at Jerusalem's Hebrew University. "Although the occupation and the suspension of Palestinian rights are officially temporary, the right wing aspires to keep Arabs indefinitely in quasi-colonial status." These religious, or "ideological," settlers are relatively few around 130,000 of the total half-a-million but their actions have an outsized-impact. Op-ed, The New York Times For example, the number of extremist religious Jews joining the Israeli army, and assuming leadership positions there, is currently on the rise. Thirty percent of recruits who graduate from the preliminary course required for joining the army describe themselves as "religious Zionists." This represents a huge increase from 20 years ago, when the rate was closer to 2.5 percent. (It should also be noted that today, only 12 percent of the general population of Israel describe themselves as "religious Zionists," which means that the percentage within the Israeli army is more than double that of the general population.) A number of extremist Rabbis have begun warning Israeli troops against the consequences of evacuating Jewish settlers from their homes, saying that performing such an act would be in violation of the Ten Commandments revealed to Prophet Moses from Almighty God. Asharq Alawsat  

Settlers often carry out violent attacks against Palestinians and their property with complete legal immunity, and often with more than implicit support from the military itself. In fact, Israeli soldiers often protect and assist settlers, and legal proceedings are rarely brought against them. While Israeli settler violence against Palestinians is a daily occurrence in the occupied Palestinian territory, it particularly intensifies during the annual olive harvest mostly in the vicinity of Nablus. In many cases, settler violence is used as a means to discourage Palestinians from harvesting their land. During August through October 2010, Palestinians in the West Bank reported a total of 277 cases of settler violence ranging from arracks with knives, bats or fists; to arson; to the use of live ammunition. PLO Negotiations Affairs Dept.  

Hebron also is a target for settler violence. In 1997, Israel divided the city of Hebron into two zones: 90,000 of the city's inhabitants came under Palestinian jurisdiction (H1), whereas 40,000 Palestinian Hebronites remained under direct Israeli occupation (H2), for the sake of about 450 Israeli settlers (0.3% of the total population) living among them. The Jewish settlers of Hebron are fanatic extremists even by Israeli standards. They regularly ransack Palestinian shops, cut electricity lines and water pipes, wreck cars and attack schoolchildren. Ran HaCohen 

Another "hot spot" for settler expansion and violence is in neighborhoods in and around East Jerusalem, including Silwan and Sheikh Jarrah. An estimated 2,000 settlers live in these neighborhoods , in houses which have been expropriated by means of the Absentee Property Law, on the basis of alleged prior Jewish ownership, in buildings purchased from Palestinian owners, and in residences custom-built and financed by settler organizations. In addition to this residential presence, settlement activity in these areas is characterized by archaeological activity and the creation of tourist sites and visitor centers. UN OCHA in OPT

In the most severe cases, settler expropriation has resulted in the loss of property and the eviction of the long-term Palestinian residents. Other humanitarian consequences include restrictions on public space and residential growth in areas already severely overcrowded and inadequate services. In addition, the close proximity of settler and Palestinian residents, with the added military presence that comes with sustained settler presence, magnifies the potential for tension and violence: human rights organizations reported in November 2010 a sharp increase in the number of children arrested by the Israeli authorities in Silwan, following clashes with settlers and security guards. UN OCHA in OPT"

Do you still say "There are no Jewish-only settlements or roads. Furthermore Israeli settlements have far from made a Palestinian state unviable. They occupy a very small percentage of the area of the west bank and most of them are adjacent to the green line thus not harming the continuity of a Palestinian state"?

I never seen anything in my life that indicates that arabs can't live there or drive on these roads. How do they even know if it's an arab driving the car? Do they stop every care and take a DNA test or something?

That's a very biased source. Lots of it comes from extreme anti-israel sources. Right or wrong, it should not come from such sources. In any case, it does not contradict what I said in any way.

This is what a peace plan could look like and Israel keeping the vast majority of settlements in Israel. The palestinian area would be of the exact same size and continuity is barely hurt, if at all.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA :lol: man this is the best topic derailment ever.BossPerson

idk if anyone tells jokes better than lebs. they have to much times on their hands

Another point here is the absurdity of the Israeli demand to keep those settlements. Israel is an artificial state, you'd be an idiot to believe otherwise. Though it is a reality that you just can't change. Its not viable to remove a state with 7 million people and a strong economy and military. The world gets that and Palestinians will come to get it too. But on what basis should this very artificial state, that once ethnically cleansed, oppressed and kicked the inhabitants of a piece of land, get to keep some pieces of land that are a portion of the remnants of what these very people once had and is the result of the injustice that was and is still inflicted on them? Not to mention that international law and UN organizations made it clear that it is illegal and wrongfully taken. Is Israel that much above the law and above everything humanity should stand for? Has the world come to be this absurd?

[QUOTE="BossPerson"]HAHAHAHAHAHAHA :lol: man this is the best topic derailment ever.liberalus

idk if anyone tells jokes better than lebs. they have to much times on their hands

damn , I missed the funny thread, would have ate alot of popcorn over this one.

damn , I missed the funny thread, would have ate alot of popcorn over this one.

 

 

Darkman2007

[QUOTE="Darkman2007"]

damn , I missed the funny thread, would have ate alot of popcorn over this one.

 

 

GazaAli

You do have the liberty of questioning that source, but you should offer a basis for that question, a counter source so to speak. And they know who drives a car based on the platelets its not rocket science, not to mention the hundreds if not thousands of checkpoints scattered all over the west bank. Are you suggesting that Arabs can and do live in these settlements? if you believe so then forgive me for saying you truly don't have an idea about the conflict or the region. So far I believe the opposite to some extent.GazaAli

Well the only claims I made is the settlements doesn't take up much space of the west bank. Although I've heard a lower number, your source says this as well. And that it doesn't hurt the continuity by keeping most of the settlements. And I mean this is something I got from Norman Finkelstein. I don't think that's a reliable source but I don't think you would object. Otherwise there is no problem showing where setllements are located.

The license plate doesn't say if it's a Jew or Arab driving. I am not suggesting that they do but that they can. I know that Ariel university for example has lots of Arab students.

[QUOTE="GazaAli"][QUOTE="Darkman2007"]

damn , I missed the funny thread, would have ate alot of popcorn over this one.

 

 

Darkman2007

Another point here is the absurdity of the Israeli demand to keep those settlements. Israel is an artificial state, you'd be an idiot to believe otherwise. Though it is a reality that you just can't change. Its not viable to remove a state with 7 million people and a strong economy and military. The world gets that and Palestinians will come to get it too. But on what basis should this very artificial state, that once ethnically cleansed, oppressed and kicked the inhabitants of a piece of land, get to keep some pieces of land that are a portion of the remnants of what these very people once had and is the result of the injustice that was and is still inflicted on them? Not to mention that international law and UN organizations made it clear that it is illegal and wrongfully taken. Is Israel that much above the law and above everything humanity should stand for? Has the world come to be this absurd?

GazaAli

Israel is not more artifcial than any other state.

The question was if a Palestinian state is viable or not with the settlements there. It clearly is. If people are too proud and stubborn is another question. 

Jews were also kicked out from Hebron, Jerusalem, Gaza and other places. To a much smaller extent yes but it's the same logic. If it's rightfully Palestinian land, does this right shrink because of this?

UN is sh*t so that's not saying anything.

[QUOTE="GazaAli"]You do have the liberty of questioning that source, but you should offer a basis for that question, a counter source so to speak. And they know who drives a car based on the platelets its not rocket science, not to mention the hundreds if not thousands of checkpoints scattered all over the west bank. Are you suggesting that Arabs can and do live in these settlements? if you believe so then forgive me for saying you truly don't have an idea about the conflict or the region. So far I believe the opposite to some extent.themajormayor

Well the only claims I made is the settlements doesn't take up much space of the west bank. Although I've heard a lower number, your source says this as well. And that it doesn't hurt the continuity by keeping most of the settlements. And I mean this is something I got from Norman Finkelstein. I don't think that's a reliable source but I don't think you would object. Otherwise there is no problem showing where setllements are located.

The license plate doesn't say if it's a Jew or Arab driving. I am not suggesting that they do but that they can. I know that Ariel university for example has lots of Arab students.

[QUOTE="themajormayor"]

[QUOTE="GazaAli"]You do have the liberty of questioning that source, but you should offer a basis for that question, a counter source so to speak. And they know who drives a car based on the platelets its not rocket science, not to mention the hundreds if not thousands of checkpoints scattered all over the west bank. Are you suggesting that Arabs can and do live in these settlements? if you believe so then forgive me for saying you truly don't have an idea about the conflict or the region. So far I believe the opposite to some extent.GazaAli

Well the only claims I made is the settlements doesn't take up much space of the west bank. Although I've heard a lower number, your source says this as well. And that it doesn't hurt the continuity by keeping most of the settlements. And I mean this is something I got from Norman Finkelstein. I don't think that's a reliable source but I don't think you would object. Otherwise there is no problem showing where setllements are located.

The license plate doesn't say if it's a Jew or Arab driving. I am not suggesting that they do but that they can. I know that Ariel university for example has lots of Arab students.

[QUOTE="liberalus"][QUOTE="BossPerson"]mhm

idk if anyone tells jokes better than lebs. they have to much times on their hands

GazaAli

[QUOTE="themajormayor"]

[QUOTE="GazaAli"]You do have the liberty of questioning that source, but you should offer a basis for that question, a counter source so to speak. And they know who drives a car based on the platelets its not rocket science, not to mention the hundreds if not thousands of checkpoints scattered all over the west bank. Are you suggesting that Arabs can and do live in these settlements? if you believe so then forgive me for saying you truly don't have an idea about the conflict or the region. So far I believe the opposite to some extent.GazaAli

Well the only claims I made is the settlements doesn't take up much space of the west bank. Although I've heard a lower number, your source says this as well. And that it doesn't hurt the continuity by keeping most of the settlements. And I mean this is something I got from Norman Finkelstein. I don't think that's a reliable source but I don't think you would object. Otherwise there is no problem showing where setllements are located.

The license plate doesn't say if it's a Jew or Arab driving. I am not suggesting that they do but that they can. I know that Ariel university for example has lots of Arab students.

Yeah but that's the present situation. There's gonna be no problem reducing those things if the Palestinians agrees to a solution. They're only their for protection as you say, but in a true peace they shouldn't need protection. And tbh I'm sure Israel is exaggerating. No big buffer zones are needed. Just put a wall on the border in worst case.

Why does it matter if they're Israeli citizens now? And I'm sure at least one of them lives on campus. That doesn't sound unreasonable.