Middle East Focus: Barak Breaks with the Likud on Jerusalem………

Arabia Deserta

Barak Breaks with the Likud on Jerusalem………

“JERUSALEM - Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak suggested parts of Jerusalem could be handed over to the Palestinians, in an interview published on Wednesday on the eve of new Middle East peace talks. West Jerusalem and 12 Jewish "neighbourhoods" -- settlements in Arab east Jerusalem -- would remain in Israel's hands. "The Arab neighbourhoods in which close to a quarter million Palestinians live will be theirs," he told the Haaretz newspaper.But the suggestion by the Labour party leader does not reflect the views of hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has insisted Jerusalem will remain Israel's undivided capital "forever."…….”

He seems to want to go back to a “modified” version of the reported offer on Jerusalem he made to Arafat on East Jerusalem at Camp David, when he was prime minister. His problem is that he speaks only for himself. His Likud and othert extreme right-wing partners would never accept this. Nor would the Kadima if they want to win the next election.
Cheers
mhg

m.h.ghuloum@gmail.com