Only in the upside down world of Israel's politics could a remark like that of Hasson be made. In fact, it is the Jewish majority in Israel that is the existential threat to the Palestinian Israelis--no the reverse.

The French who move from Paris to the Alps or Alpian mountains do not acquire the Alpian ethnicity. The Russians or Chinese who move to Siberia do not acquire the Siberian ethnicity either. They are still Chinese or Russian. Hence, the Arabs who came to the area in search of employment opportunities are still Arabs. There is no such thing as Palestinian Israeli. There are, however, Arabs claiming the Palestinian regional identity living in Israel. The Arabs have 22 Arab states to chose from. In addition, they have the area of Gaza and part of the land West of the Jordan River. It would be in the interested of both Arabs and Jews to separate after all the Arabs kicked out the Jews from most Arab states.

but you cannot confuse Mr. Hasson. He was born in an Arab state. He knows how the Arabs have treated the Jews. He knows the menace he is dealing with. It is precisely because of his background and knowledge of the adversary he states the need to separate.

LIke Raleb Majadele? The "SCIENCE&CULTURE" minister??? who has a high school education??You would think that a science minister would at least have a degree in one of the sciences in order to qualify. I would think that would be a prerequisite!

As I said the other day..not today and not tomorrow.

You guys just love that word "racist",don't you?

I forgot to include that

Israel doesn't need leaders begging for peace like homeless people on dizengof street. We need leaders that show a strong attitude and expect nothing esle but respect. We do not need our neighbours to have peace with us, or to like us. We need to show our neighbours they should start respecting us as we do not care for anything less than respect (And respect, unlike peace, cannot be faked). BE STRONG, BE RESPECTED.

It was too broadly stated. Hassan's recognizition of Arab loyality problems (to understate it) is valid. However, he said it very poorly for a politician, and needs to learn how to get his point across without including the entire Israeli Arab population in accuations. Furthermore, there is a population of Arab's who do support the state, and this is offensive to them. Is it really neccessary to alienation them? I'm glad to know that these talkbacks are often more negative & attacking and don't reflect the overall opinions of Israelis. Otherwise, I'd be entirely embarrassed. Futhermore, the use of Politically Correct statements may sound tired and old, but it makes a big difference in getting people to get along and respect each other. It's worth using. Barakeh may have identified the cause about being new to politics. And I appreciate his saying that instead of going to the old "racist" comments. Although his accusation of incitement is way too much, especially considering his own identification of the cause.

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED IN 1948. I've heard a range of accounts of what happened to the Palestinians. Jews want us out of Israel. Arabs this we are an extension of the Zionists. We are unwanted, illegitimate, and biracial step-child of the Mid. east. Why did Arabs flee the area that became Israel? The fact is that the Arab world warned the Palestinians against staying with the Jews. It suits Arab leaders to keep them in poverty, and channel resentment toward the Jews. Read the entire article http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1337892/posts

Do you know Sarah Elshazly, and other Arabs from Israel that fight for Israel? They are not beduim or Druz but just Muslims who feel strongly about thier home land, Israel. Now, the problem is that the tide had shifted and we are treated badly every time there is a war. Jews in Israel need to make us feel welcome, and not Arabs. This was the land that we lived in and we both call it home, let's make it one. The problem will not go away as long as the fingers are pointed at the other. Let's face it, we're all guilty. Read about her and others and see what kind of struggle they go through. I posted one of her articles, and hope it will be psoted later today.

I guess you do live in NY. If you lived in Israel, you'd know that this is in no one's interst. Plus, think about this. Arabs kicked the Jews out, granted, but they are as far from democracy as they can be, how can Israel justify that? Israel is too democratic for this notion to even be proposed..