Pray tell Jennie what 'hard historical facts' are you referring to? Do you mean hard facts like this? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Palestine#Demographics_in_the_late_Ottoman_and_British_Mandate_periods Which clearly show that Muslims outnumbered Jews and Christians in Palestine for centuries.

I don't know and I don't care whether Eitan is "leftist, a middle of the road rightist or what?" as you put it. Eitan is not the subject. The settlements are. And from where I sit, Eitan addresses the subject head on, in a rational and informed fashion without trying to describe himself as "leftist, middle of the way or rightist." He simply says it the way it is and at least I like what he says.

Yup! I'll go for that absolutely too. Also,I don't remember having such headaches when G.Wya was in power.It all surfaced just a few weeks after the election of OBARMI. Of course we had Rice doing the bothering,but not to such an extent whereby the Islamist were involved too.Guess best be our own selves and ignore outsiders all.Because politicians are a rare breed,and their easy option allways falls on ordering,Israel.Politicians are like lawyers/actors.They love to talk.make speeches(eternally by some),travel,join their opposing countries during the cocktail party hours. Enjoying tearing down Israel with aplomb and delight. I have been to many a cocktail parties,and even though not political ones, know exactly how they act/behave. But with these lot,it is a different kettle of fish(VERY SMELLY ONES AT THAT)

She is just a parrot. God saved USA from her! That is not a matter of siding Perhaps I am not impartial but at least both Israelis and palestinians may agree only on one thing: Clinton is impotent and worst US secretary of state ever takes charge of this position. She turn other side repeating one side's statements without having her own line of policy, If Israel say something to her, she will repeat like a parrot to Palestinians next

Well Sarah B., it would seem that you are up to your same old rhetoric again. Perhaps if Israel bargained in good faith, stopped building illegal settlements in the West Bank and stopped treating Gaza like a ghetto the Palestinians might come back to the bargaining table. Netanyahu knew very well that his "concession" was BS and that the Palestinians would never accept it, that's why he made it. Now that there are no negotiations in the offing he can carry on with his policy of Israeli Lebensraum.

It never ends with you, does it? Bedouins are Moslems. They are also nomads. Ottoman Turks were Moslems. They were rotated in and out, usually with large families and huge numbers of servants. Do not forget, either, that Jews were actively prohibited from leaving their countries of residence (they were exiled from Israel following the Roman destruction of the Temple in 72 A.D.). Whenever possible, Jews returned, as can readily be seen by the ancient Jewish community in Peki'in, Safed and Hebron. Most countries where Jews lived did not allow them to leave, as they were essential to the economies of the respective countries. Stop twisting facts. There has NEVER been a country called Palestine -- until Israeli statehood it was a territory that belonged to Romans, Arabs, Ottoman Turks and, finally, before being restored to its rightful inhabitants -- the Jews -- the British. Palestinians are a myth invented following Israel's glorious and resounding victory in the Six-Day War. Prior to that, Arabs on the West Bank were quite content to be Jordanian citizens; arabs in Gaza were quite content to be citizens of Egypt. Are you prepared to cede American lands back to the original inhabitants, the native American tribes? Whether you like it or not, the Kingdoms of Judea and Israel date back 5,000 years. Jews are the legitimate heirs of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Ishmael was the bastard son of Abraham and was banished from the land. All your twisting and tautological statements and perversion of facts and documented history serves you to no avail. You hate Jews so much -- why are even here? Wouldn't you feel more comfortable on a Jihadist or radical Palestinian website? Or an Iranian one? How about Al Jazeera? Haven't enough people on this website ridiculed you and your version of "facts" and "history?" Have you no pride? Or are you nothing more than an uneducated masochist? Either way; go away. You contribute nothing of any value and you are not wanted here. You need to be among people who share your hatred of Jews and Israel and will enthusiastically second your spurious "facts" and your false notions of history.

For detailed stats on the demographics in Palestine over the centuries please refer to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Palestine For example during 1690-1691 there were 219,000 Muslims living in Palestine compared to 2,000 Jews. As you can see the percentage of Jews compared to Muslims and Christians is very small. Also see the section called 'Travelers' impressions of 19th century Palestine' regarding Twain. Clearly Twain was no historian or expert on the region. I would also recommend: Rediscovering Palestine by Beshara Doumani which chronicles in great detail the lives of Arabs living in the region. While the likes of Sarah B would like pretend that all Arabs in Palestine are 'recent additions' clearly the stats and facts speak for themselves namely that over the centuries Muslims have been the demographic majority in Palestine. One wonders if Sarah B has any substantial facts or respected sources to back up her lame claims other than a satirical writer like Twain.

Can speak for himself without you butting in.I know exactly what I was trying to find out,none of your business as such. On the settlement issue:Looks like you would rather throw Jews out, so you can live in comfort? Those settlers you decry are the salt of the earth,and they serve with distinction in the military.Or would you deny this fact?In any case I don't think Eitan touched on that subject (as far as I recall).You are an arrogant silly man who decided to jump in where he wasn't asked.I hate replying in such a manner to one of "mine" if you get the gist of it...

You are spot on. Yesterday she said one thing,today quite another. Indeed it is nothing but "parotting" and one cannot engage in such silly poliitcal debates.Can you imagine if she had won the election to become COMMANDER IN CHIEF? Bad enough with Obarmi,but her? good heavens I could do a much better job without even trying. Well said Tayfun.

Sarah, you go ahead and continue your long climb uphill. You've got all of the revisionist pat answers at the tips of your fingers and now you have truly made a fool of yourself. I hate to upset your revisionist view of history but it was President Carter who brokered the Camp David agreement between Israel and Egypt, or was that part of his jew-hating agenda? I think it's your hate and racism which needs to be checked.

Sarah, here you go again playing your stupid anti semite card. Give it a rest. By the way, "Whether you like it or not, the Kingdoms of Judea and Israel date back 5,000 years. Jews are the legitimate heirs of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" is a load of folk lore nonsense dredged up by the likes of you to justify everything Israel does. Number 31 sure hit a soft spot given your rediculous diatribe agains him/her. it would appear that the soft spot is the one between your ears.

Exactly one of mine and some other's points too.Which begs the question in many forums not addressed at all.It is allways a one way street--the arabs can live anywhere(where I am we are surrounded by arab vilages)while the Jews are restricted. to live wherever they wish.it is a topsy turvy sort of world for us Israeli Jews. If anyone thinks Israel will fall for this type of condescending attitude in our sovereign country,they can think again...

Israeli voters spoke loud and clear on the settlement freeze. We rejected it soundly. That is why the settlement hating Labor and Meretz parties fight for their political survival. Israeli voters clearly want Judea and Samaria settlements to continue to grow at a great pace. The mandate of the victorious Likud Party has ALWAYS stood for unlimited Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria. Not only are Judea and Samaria rightfully ours. They are vital for our security. Israel must do MUCH more to build Judea and Samaria settlements.

Am ashamed to read/see. What's your point Richard didn't you get the answer to your wishy washy post and hankering for recognition? Get something straight boy! No such people called Arab/Palestinians EVER existed. If you care to apply and learn the true historical narrative,then you may get to the bottom of it all. I have no patience responding to ignorants,but hey, since there's one born every minute why not educate them?During the British mandate the JEWS WERE CALLED PALESTINIANS And the rest..merely Arabs.You don't want to accept it?TOUGH! Oh a p/sWhat are you doing in our Jewish/Israeli news paper? Go to Al jazeera,or Al Manar more to your liking wouldn't you say bobby hoo?

Yawn, same old worn out ignorant bs from you too. Oh well, such is life. By the way, the editors of this site seem to be quite happy to post comments which run counter to your racist opinions. Complain to them if you like. So get something straight little girl, I'll post whatever I like and if you don't like it that's too bad. I've read other posts on here in which someone like you trys to denegrate the poster by inviting him or her to read Al Jazeera. Well, for your information I read Al Jazeera and Israeli sites on a regular basis. You might try the same as doing so will probably teach you something, if you are capable of learning.

Kate, you're a fool. Thankfully you do not speak for many Israelis.

You boys live in la-la land.Oh I can understand that out there in easy going Canada.But Sarah B has beaten you right down the middle with your ignorant ways pertaining the so-called Pals & the rest of the true history. Well neighbors, I can enlighten you somewhat.During the British Mandate and the partition,the Arabs rejected the offer & refused it. Converesely the Jews accepted their meagre portion offered by the devious Brits' who decided to create an artificial country called Jordan.Thus a big chunk of what was supposed to be part of the nascent Israel was lost. At the time the Brits; called the Jews Palestinans and the rest merely arabs. You two if you had a modicum of knowledge of the history you'd know this FACT instead of jumping down the throat of the lady who was just trying to inform,THE UNINFORMED AND BIASED AGAINST ISRAEL. Subject "nukes" :Israel has not declared it has any.Be that as it may,is one on of you cognisant in nuclear physics? Threatening Israel on inspections? One of you boys are on the wrong track,and know nothing on nuclear facilities or whether Israel will use them.Secrets you understand hmmm.. No shame,no gain.Now go and put your thinking brain cells to practice or remain ignorant the rest of your miserable life.

With you all the way Chaim.Now we know some may come as usual verbally attacking you,or me. Since Iive in Karkur,(it does not effect my true spirit of the subject)Being my partiality to the settlers(hate calling them such)as we all know Chaim,that according to our enemies which surround us,the whole of Israel is supposed to be one "giant settler enterprise". It takes all sorts and if it pleases them to think so,FINE BY ME AND YOU. We are home where we belong. Away for a short hiatus,and returned to OUR HOLY LAND. No deviating from our resolve to please the likes BO,or Hitlery(learned it form Justin yesterday)Good ain't it? There is another fellow an astute academic who made the typo error,(or so I thought at the time).It was at: You know where..wrote Bilery,instead of Hilery?: And I did not get the gist of it at the time. .And by golly he was right. Have a good night

i saw the site and other connected sites even DNA and genetic studies so you tell the truth and the scientific researchs lying ??

The loan guarantees were to the Israel gov. who used some of it to subsidize settlements also how much do settlers pay for land or rent. The cost of living is much less in settlements which is why some move there. The settlements are illegal until Israel claims the land as part of Israel but citizenship for Muslims has stopped them. The US should use all means available to stop building or back off on the issue all together, its half measures only add to problem but the problem of Palestinians needs to be ended soon and not continue another 40yrs.

From_your_likes_full_stop_ .Woman like a dog with a bone. Simple deduction. Get a life woman and look after your husband,lover,or whoever. Sarah B is right,and you are wrong. PERIOD.

Honorable Mrs Clinton Demanding Israel to stop building its homeland - is exactly to oposit way to promote peace. You simply cause the Arabs to believe this will work. Well, it will just make you runing around the Bush.

First of all, you seem to be forgetting that the Palestinians have three times rejected a two-state solution. They are not interested in their own state; they want Israel. Secondly, I remind you that Israel does not need to make concessions -- I am hard-pressed to recall a single instance in history where the resounding victor of SIX wars made a single concession to the vanquished. Perhaps you can name one such instance? Moreover, you know darned well that the settlements are not illegal. Israel acquired Judea and Samaria while fighting a defensive war against Jordan. Read the Hague First and Second Conventions. Moreover, the residents of the West Bank are citizens of Jordan, and Israel would be well within her rights to annex the territories in their entirety and deport the Palestinians to Jordan, land of their citizenship. That said, when is Canada planning to restore to the native inhabitants of that fair land the land it stole from them? Inquiring minds WANT to know. I have seen the dismal conditions imposed on the Beaver, the Blackfoot, the Cree and the Ojibwe Nations in your very own Alberta. To name but a few, and in just one province. Clean your own house before worrying about mine, okay?

"The loan guarantees were to the Israel gov. who used some of it to subsidize settlements" No, that is not true. You know perfectly well that American aid to Israel comes chiefly in three forms: (i) a small amount in direct cash interest-bearing loans (two countries in the world have a perfect repayment record with respect to such loans: Finland and Israel); (ii) military credits, which must be spent in the United States (which is a good thing for the United States, given these trying economic times and mass layoffs throughout the defense industrty); and (iii) joint venture capital (which has produced, among other things, the mass spectrometer,. the pacemaker, CAT scan, MRI scan, facial recognition software and a whole host of scientific and technological advancements which have benefited the world, not just the United States and Israel). A large portion of the joint venture capital goes to programs such as the Arrow missile defense system, and probably quite a few others which are classified. Over the years, allegations have been made that Israel uses U.S. aid to strengthen settlements in Judea and Samaria, but Israel has always denied the allegation. For a reasonably comprehensive review of U.S. aid to Israel, see the following. It is from 2005, but it does not appear to have been updated since, and some of the proposals discussed have come to fruition; others have not. Keep that in mind as you read through it: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/mideast/IB85066.pdf "The settlements are illegal until Israel claims the land as part of Israel but citizenship for Muslims has stopped them." Not quite true. The Palestinians living in Judea and Samaria are citizens of Jordan; should Israel ever wish to annex the territories, there is the option of returning these Jordanian citizens to Jordan. You are correct that Israel would have to do both; Israel is a Jewish state, and to make 3 million Palestinians citizens of Israel would mean that Israel will no longer be a Jewish state. That said, why should Israel relinquish territory it acquired while fighting a defensive war? Jordan attacked Israel in 1967, not the other way around. Israel is well within her rights to retain the territory. You don't see Poland restoring the northern corridor to Germany, do you (yes folks, the Germans have a better historical claim to it than do the Poles? Or France ceding back Alsace and Lorraine to Germany, do you (here again, Germany's claims have better historical foundation than do France's)? What about Calais? It belonged to England until Mary Stuart lost it in a short unhappy war against the French. How about the islands in the Straits of Hormuz which Iraq has never returned to Iran? Same thing with the islands which Japan took from Russia in the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Those haven't been returned to Russia either, not even following the defeat of Japan in World War II. Why should Israel give back anything? Why should a special set of laws apply to Israel and no one else? "The US should use all means available to stop building or back off on the issue all together, its half measures only add to problem but the problem of Palestinians needs to be ended soon and not continue another 40yrs." No, it won't take that long. Israel will never ever negotiate with a fractious bunch bent on her destruction.

Thank you for both your extremely insightful analysis and your kind words. It's a long, uphill climb, isn't it? So many uninformed Jew and Israel haters .....

If is very sad to read that you believe that anyone who disagrees with you is an "uninformed Jew and Israel hater." You must lead a very difficult life.

Regarding Sarah B and your sadness she may lead a very difficult life? Ha ha ha. to that I say.Why? She not only resides in one of the best part of Israel(one of my favored spots)It is ludicrous of you to think she leads the life you ascribe to her,That she also has a residence in NY,should make you think twice before you comment. At the end of the day,if as you say she thinks anyone who disagrees her is an"uninformed Jew and Israel hater" is because we all know I through experience that we have discovered it. overtime.Not a rocket science you know,simply the truth in essense.

Kate, you obviously do not understand what I meant about Sarah's life. Where she lives and how many homes she has is of no interest to me. It's the bunker mentality she, and obviously you, have embraced which is sad and must be difficult. Your belief that all of "us" are Jew and Israel haters is simply absurd. I can tell you that plenty of "us" who have been solid supporters of Israel for many years are beginning to have our doubts. If you want to live in a bunker so be it; just don't complain when you stick your head out one day and all of your real friends are long gone.

you said a simple truth