Will Fence Solve Israel's Woes?

[Scurrilous]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/12/11/60minutes/main588084.shtml

<snip>

"CBS) The 400-mile fence Israel is building in the West Bank to keep suicide bombers out will only spur more terrorism from frustrated Palestinians, says the former head of the Israeli agency responsible for domestic security.

Ami Ayalon, the former head of Israel’s Shin Bet, appears in a Bob Simon report about the fence construction on 60 Minutes, Sunday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. ET/PT. \

Ayalon, who also once headed the Israeli navy, believes the wall will take hope away from Palestinians because it takes their land.

“The more Palestinian territory we are annexing by building this fence, the more violence we will see in the future,” he tells Simon."

<snip>

"But Ayalon thinks the only choice is to provide the Palestinians with hope for a state of their own before it is too late. “We have to fight terrorism but, in addition, to create this hope,” says Ayalon. “What I am saying is not because I love Palestinians. I don’t.…It’s only because I care about Israel and the way I understand Israel should be.”

[mobuto]

1. How so?

If the Palestinians can't get to Israel, how can they kill Israelis? I think its clear that recent measures have been working somewhat - the Palestinians hate Israel more now than ever, but the death toll for Israelis has been steadily declining. No, the status quo isn't remotely satisfactory, but its better than it could be.

[bemildred]

2. You would think he would know.

But he doesn't clarify how.
But then, he wouldn't, there is
no point in giving people ideas.
Time will tell.

[number6]

3. no

..

[Martin Eden]

4. Solve Israel's woes? No.

The fence may protect Israelis on the other side of it, but unless the fence achieves total separation between Israelis and Palestinians, it will not prevent attacks.

Those intent on targeting Israelis will find accessable targets somewhere. Will the fence or the military be able to protect every settlement and every access point?

Palestinian rage is a force under pressure -- it is going to find an outlet. The fence fuels that rage, and is therefore not a solution. Israel's woes will continue as long as the Palestinians' woes continue.

Granted, some Palestinians will not cease violence until the Jewish State is destroyed, just as some Israelis will never abandon their quest for a greater Israel that encompasses all of the promised land.

This conflict includes intractable and irreconcilable enemies, but the majority want peace and security, and are willing to accept a two-state solution.

The road to peace must be travelled despite the extremists who keep throwing up roadblocks. The fence is a tangible and painfully visible blockade that will make negotiations even more difficult.

There is no security without peace. The fence is an obstacle to peace.

[tinnypriv]

5. Naturally, the woes of the Palestinians....

..is hardly even considered. The contempt is barely concealed.