Opinion
Time for national turning point
Alon Ben-Meir
Published: 05.05.08, 10:10
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52 Talkbacks for this article
31. How to sell a lemon (dreck used car)
Michael ,   Moscow, US   (05.05.08)
Tactics of a used cars salesman from Brooklyn, NY 1. Starts with throwing at you some flattering remarks about yourself ‘…The nation has made tremendous strides in medicine, agriculture,biotechnology, and economic development and created democratic political institutions, all while manning its formidable military powerhouse’ 2. Complains about how business is slow and what a lifetime opportunity it currently presents for the buyer ‘…While Israel has never been stronger militarily or economically than at present, it does not have the luxury of time. The Israeli advantage will not last because its detractors - Iran and its surrogates - are feverishly preparing to challenge militarily Israel's existence’ 3. Describes in how excellent condition that used car really is ‘…Peace is the single most important measure that will provide Israel with the ultimate security it seeks, for peace will particularly undermine Iran's regional ambitions and neutralize its threat to Israel's security.’ 4. Goes for a killing
32. Relinquish leftists & terrorists! Keep the land!
Rami BenAmi ,   Lod, Israel   (05.05.08)
Holy Land is a cornersone of Jewish faith history & culture. But leftists, like this Alon guy & arab terrorists have nothing to do with our nation. So which should rather be relinquished?
33. # 25 The Great British Economist Chanalau
Thomas   (05.05.08)
Israel Has A GDP of over 184 Billion. How does US aid accout for that? And how is Israeli military success attributable to the US beyond parts and supllies? Israel should stop complaining about American religious fanatics moving to their country when Israel sends so many of their Chanalus our way.
34. Sir, your facts are mistaken
Shlomo ,   NYC   (05.05.08)
Israel has no wish for a "tormenting occupation" and has in fact withdrawn from Gaza and given self rule to the most densely populated Arab areas. Both of which have led to a worsening situation, not a better one. As for occupation, since on state but Israel has any historic or recent (UN partition plan) claim to the land, I assume you mean the Arabs are occupying Israeli land. Thirdly, the demographic situation is such that within 20 years Israelis will be the wide majority population from the sea to the Jordan, thus mitigating any "imbalance". Fourthly, why would one state only act in accordance with its enemies wishes (a la Iran). In other words, the best course for Israel is to build, build, and build from the sea to the Jordan and from the Golan to Gaza while aiding in the humane relocation of Arabs. In fact they can give them the land taken from the expelled Jews of 1948 so there will be no problem with states claiming they cannot absorb them.
35. NYU, why am I not surprised?
Etoile ,   Montreal, CAN   (05.05.08)
And he is involved in teaching international affairs and Middle-East studies. These facts indicate that Alon Ben-Meir has sold himself a long time ago. For those unfamiliar, NYU has been very much in cahoots with the United Arab Emirates in more ways than you can imagine. The same oil/blood money that funds such colorful organizations as Hezbollah and Hamas is pumped into that university, so much so that a new NYU campus is set to be built in Abu Dhabi. Feel free to check the attached article at the bottom. Therefore it is unsurprising to me that Alon Ben-Meir would sell himself in such a disgusting fashion. He is simply doing whatever is necessary to receive his paycheck every week. However, I believe it would be innaccurate to term him as a terrorist as well. He is more like a whore in his willingness to sell himself and his people for money. http://nymag.com/news/features/46000/
36. #25 chanalou - what stupidity
Elchonon ,   Chevron   (05.05.08)
American military aid totals maybe 2 billion a year, we cut down on foreign aid received. Furthermore, military aid comes in the form of contracts, like the m4 over priced always jamming rifle. The abandonment of the lavi fighter jet due to pressure by lockhead martin. No, aid by america serves the US so they can have a say in foreign policy. The foreign aid was a result of the sinai surrender, a stupid stupid idea and horrible bargin. The alma oil fireld was valued at 100 billion dollars of oil.. at todays prices I dare suggest perhaps 150 billion dollars. They also gave up direct control of shipping lanes to and from Eilat, over 1,000 miles of roadways, homes, factories, hotels, hospitals and health facilities, and farming villages. On top of the removal of 7000 civilians, Israel relocated close to 200 military installations, airfields, and army bases after it's withdrawal. Sorry, even 5 billion a year for 30 years is only 150 billion dollars that in no way could have matched israel's gains had it kept sinai.
37. Israeli name but not Jewish in his heart
Steven ,   San Francisco   (05.05.08)
There are too many of these Israelis who are listened to as if they were Jews which they are not.
38. What world is he in?
Phil ,   US   (05.05.08)
Has this guy been on earth lately or is he on hallucinogenic drugs? Any person of decent intelligence has seen exactly what happens when Israel gives up land. In Gaza, Hamas, a group sworn to destroy Israel, continues to fire rockets at Sderot and Ashkelon. Even before Hamas won the election, Abbas and his Fatah terrorists refused to do anything to stop the terrorism against Israel and took n o action to stop the rocket fire. Israel's withdrawal from the security zone in Lebanon also resulted in disaster for Israel. Hezbollah, an Iranian puppet, contin ues to rearm and the idiot Olmert's call for international supervision has accomplished nothing except to limit Israel's response to terror. Prior to the Passover massacre of the elderly Jews at a seder, Israel was nearly destroyed by suicide bombings emanating from the PA controlled West Bank. Sharon had to send troops to reoccupy the most dangerous parts of the West Bank and it took thousands of Israeli casualties and frequent military operations to calm the situation down. Now, many of the attacks on Israel are initiated by Fatah and its affiliates. Exactly where was the author of this article while all of this happened and continues to happen? Is he nuts? Does he read that the Palestinians continue to incite their people and continue to waste international aid? Do people like him really understand that the Palestinians don't want to live in peace next to a Jewish State or is he into den ial about that too?
39. Looser
gabriela ben ari ,   jerusalem   (05.05.08)
40. Putting America First
Gary S. ,   Hadera, Israel   (05.05.08)
Dear Dr. Ben-Meir, Whether you are a native born or a naturalized American, obviously you make your home in the U.S. Hence, it's only logical (and fair!) that you put America and its problems first on your agenda. May I suggest that you apply your considerable expertise in freeing occupied territories in the ME to assist your home team -- G.W. Bush and Dick Cheney, who seem to have great difficulties extricating the U.S. from the mess in Iraq. As to Israel, I'm grateful for your concern, but please don't worry about us: we get plenty of outside advice.
41. JUST THINK WHO IS TEACHING AND WHAT AT THE UNIVERSITY
m ,   Toronto   (05.05.08)
Oh, yes, teaching Americans hatred for the Jewish state.
42. Good article ... pathetic talkbacks
Avi ,   USA   (05.05.08)
This is how the British Jews should have made their point. They had a point; they just didn't know how to make it. As for most of the talk backers: I'm not surprised at your myopia. You keep complaining about Lebanon and Gaza. What did Hezbollah achieve? Look at how much they lost in that war. Do you think they will attack Israel anytime soon? Do you really think they’ll attack Israel if we had peace with Syria? And why whine about Sderot? Life in Sderot is paradise compared to Gaza. What did Hamas achieve in Gaza? Do you see the world complaining about Israel in Gaza now as it did before the disengagement? Do you think anyone will side with the Palestinians if they start shooting rockets at Jerusalem from a free West Bank – especially if we are at peace with all the Arabs?
43. In order to survive
Avraham ,   NYC   (05.06.08)
Israel MUST hold on to ALL the land under its current possession and to liberate as many of historically Jewish lands occupied by the Arabs as possible when opportunities present themselves.
44. we hold all the cards but we let them set the rules
zionist forever   (05.06.08)
Why do we allways have let the arabs set the conditions .. with oslo, 1979 Camp David treaty with Egypt, the arab plan its allways the arabs who are in the weaker position are the ones in charge of laying down the rules. Israel has the territory Israe has the millitary power Israel has more money that Egypt, Jordan & Syria Israel has the allies in the US Israel basicly has everything the arabs have the P word .. if this was treated as a business deal it would be Israel drawing up the terms of the contract but we are to pathetic to stand up for ourselves we let the arabs decide what they want and we look for damage limitation not damage avoidence and being the dominent player. Also the one time when we negotiated land for peace and that was with Egpt Israel got a bad deal & Egypt hasnt kept up its end of the bargin. Anti sematism is still rife, protocalls of the mebers of zion is treated as fact. Last year some members of the Egyptian parliament were saying Eilat was part of Egypt and that the government should be doing more to get it back so even now they want more. Egypt does nothing to stop weapons smuggling and supports the terrorists. Egypt has been allowed to become a regional superpower because it has a much bigger army than Israel, it has all the same weapons as Israel We gave up strateigc assets in Sinai which gave us some territorial depth, oil which could have made us self sufficiant for our energy needs and we didnt need the deal but because Sadat was saying land for peace we went running like a sheep to the slaughter. The peace treaty with Egypt is a hyped up myth dreamed up by the peace camp and because Israel accepted Egypts demands of give us all not just some as Begin originaly planned it has set a precident where Israel is the one the world expects to make all the concesions and the arabs are the good guys who just want peace but big bad Israel has stolen their land and wont give it back. If we had been willing to be a little firmer with the palestians we could have avoided half the problems we have today If we had told Assad that he can have the Golan in his fantasies only and consistantly said the Golan is not for sale and stuck firm to that position Assad would either be asking for nothing or a comproimise. If Barak hadnt put Jerusalem on the table we could have stuck to the traditional position of no dividing Jerusalem. Even the refugee issue we are now compromising on by saying that we will let a couple of hundred thousand have a right of return. We need to learn to play dirty just like the arabs do stop letting them be the masters and us the obidient servents. We have a state but we are not willing to stand up and defend its interests.
45. 42
zionist forever   (05.06.08)
1) Egypt has violated over half its comitments to peace made in 1979 and it continues to do so at the same time we gave to them strategic depth in the form of Sinai, enough oil to make Israel indipendent on its energy needs, strategic millitary facilities and businesses. Egypt still takes the side of the enemy, they make token efforts to prevent weapons smuggling but most of it they allow to get through. The Egyptian government itself allows anti sematism, on government owned tv channels and in government owned newspapers we get shows and articles where protocalls of the elders of zion are treated as fact, jewish blood libals its all ok. About a year ago members of the Egyptian parliament were saying Eilat was occupied Egyptian territory and demanding the government do somethng about getting it back. Various Gulf states as conditions for verious things agreed to an American demand they end to their embargo of Israel but they still keep it up. Saudi Arabia was sold F15s on the condition they were based where they were not in striking range of Israel. The Saudis got the jets but they are based within range of Israel & the Americans just keep their mouths shut. 2) Israel needs the Golan for strategic & economic reasons alot more than it needs any treaty with Syria and Israels occupation of the Golan is whats kept the peace why loose that for abit of paper with Assads signature which will cost us everything give us very little. Hizbollah are Irans masters syria is a proxy and do you really think that if it came to either upholding commitments given in exchange for the Golan that Assad would stand by them if it became staying true to a peace treaty and the heroic martyrs or Assads Iranian masters. 3) Sderot is a paradise compared to Gaza so what the people of Sderot are not having the time of their lives with rockets falling on their heads daily even if things are better for them than it is in Gaza. Before disengagement from Gaza there were no daily rocket attacks because Gaza provided `israel with strategic depth. Look what we got in return for disengagement .. peace gestures result in an increase in terror. 4) Of course the world will start to sympathise if the palestians start shooting after they have supposedly made peace all the palestians need to do is get their propoganda machine into full swing and Israel will be turned into the bad guy and the world will be demanding more concesions out of Israel. Thats how its allways been. Probably next the world will say 2 states isnt working time we pushed Israel to go for the single state idea which would replace both Israel and the palestian state. Peace with the arabs means no Israel why dont you check out the Hamas charter .. Israel is an occupied islamic waqf and muslims have a duty to liberate it, their war doesnt end till all of Palestine is liberated, 2 states is step 1 towards the goal of the liberation of all palestine. Your very naive if you really believe that giving away land will bring us all peace and happiness.
46. disappointing
alex   (05.06.08)
Alon, Israel has tried dramatically to do what you advocate. Ranin, Peres, Netanyahu, Barak , Sharon. Its doesn't work. They want more and all they give is terror. Peace does not work with arabs. Olmert, the biggest coward israel has ever had already lost 2 wars with your kind of thinking. Wake up before its too late.
47. What 10yrs economic growth - Oslo gave us terrible recession
Ronny ,   TA   (05.06.08)
This is more BS spin
48. Author should go live in Sderot - Enjoy his Land for Peace!
Naomi ,   Netanya   (05.06.08)
Why is Yediot putting up the views of an imbecilic degenerate?
49. to 35
hana ,   gaza   (05.06.08)
i do not think that the man had sold himselfe .no one in emarates or sa will bye such thing .they are not interesting in palastinians afairs / we as people knew this fact long away .. becouse of that palastinian resistance was presented on palastine land /aske arafat about the arabs what they bye and what they sell
50. i told yuo
david   (05.06.08)
51. Get This!
Ben ,   SF Bay Area   (05.07.08)
The land is not "occupied," it was given to Israel by God Himself as an "everlasting possession," per Genesis 17:7-8. God also said, "The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants," per Leviticus 25:23. Israel will eventually gain back all the lands God promised to Abraham, for which Isaac (later Jacob/Israel) was the rightful heir; not Ishmael. After Israel annihilates the PA and devastates the armies of Syria, Egypt and Jordan to such a degree that their governments fall, then the Israeli Army will expand out to "possess its own former possessions," per ancient prophecies. This land includes all of Lebanon, most of Syria, two-thirds of Jordan and the Negev Desert. "For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: as you have done [to Israel], it shall be done to you: your reward [good or evil] shall return upon your own head, But upon Mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob (israel) shall possess their possessions," per Obadiah 1:15-17 Translated: Israel is intended by God to be a holy nation of priests, a role they are only now beginning to awaken to. Leave Israel alone, because messing with Israel is messing with "the apple of God's eye," resulting in destruction to those doing the messing. Got it? For the sake of the whole Middle East and the world, I sure hope so!
52. ?
Ben ,   united States   (05.07.08)
how is part of God's plan for thousands of palestinians' homes to be crushed by tanks in the middle of the night, leaving them homeless. is it better to continue a brutal military occupation for another 40 years?
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