Reply #5: your right...this is now...

[pelsar]

and hamas is very much part of the equation now. Just as the settlements were not a fact pre 67 and post 67, it could have been said they maybe were the obstacle to peace, hamas has made that simplistic viewpoint mute.

Hamas has made it clear the settlements are not the problem, furthermore they are gunning for the westbank, just as they went for gaza. Israel pulling out of the westbank, and Hamas "moving in" (not a sure thing, but it is their plan just as it was for gaza.... ) would create an impossible situation for israel.

can you imagine kassams on jersusalem, hadera, Afula, the intl airport, Tel Aviv?......

outside of a massive IDF response to retake the westbank (would you support that?) what would be israeli options? there would be no more "land for peace" to serve as the "obstacle"?.....and why on earth would the israeli govt put itself in such an impossible position.

I've been told by a close relative that israel has to "do something"....so is risking such a situation the intelligence choice? Whats the chance for success? 50-50? 30-70 80-20? Israel and the US have a pretty poor record when it comes to interfering in others affairs.....why would they "get it right this time?