the headline, for someone simply reading it and not the article would convey an idea exactly the reverse of the truth. Why does the Israeli press in general always support our enemies whether it be Peace Now, Machsom Watch. Bet Selem etc etc. !?

The Arab presence in Jerusalem is overwhelming...

Polling is an inexact science, especially when one poses such vague questions. What exactly does "in exchange for peace" mean, except that the pollsters might be trying to skew the results? Imagine what the results would be if the question was rephrased: "Would you be willing to see Jerusalem re-divided, with security in ceded territories provided by armed Palestinians, in exchange for a signed agreement?" Such questions aren't posed because, by getting people to think, they get closer to the heart of the matter.

It just goes to show just how desperate we are for peace! What they are saying is "Just leave us alone and let us live!"

Adam said ... "Just cause they built mosques there and have called it their third holiest site since the early 20th century, doesn't mean that it's theirs. Jerusalem is the holiest site to Jews and Christians. It is NOTHING to Muslims." Not that this would add or subtract any significance to the issue. But J'lem was actually the "Qebla" or the direction where muslims used to face for prayers, before their Quraan said they should face Macca instead from then and on.

I dont see the detals of the survey in defining Jerusalem. I dont see any problem in separating Arab neighborhoods since they refused citizenship anyway. However, any Jewish land, the holy of holies (Temple Mt), old city, city of David, anything connected to the Jewish people is and should be non negotiable. Municipal Jerusalem is not the same as Jewish Jerusalem. Since Israel liberated Jerusalem from foreign occupation all religions, except Jews, have been free to pray at their holy sites. Best solution is to ban everyone from the Temple Mount.

Putting your good intentions aside, that idea would be a diaster. Just look at the UN today, that's what you'll get. The only thing they are good for is humanitarian purposes. Even though there is new leadership , I don't think they'll change they're anti-Israel dogma.

This is a good step towards the peace process. It is good to know that people on the Israeli side want peace. It is hard to find these people on the talkbacks though. They always get silented by the hatefilled extremist who write talkbacks.

If they could make a cogent and a moral argument for defeat and capitulation, you would see them putting forth their case in the market of ideas. It's not that we are, as you claim, "hatefilled extremists." We love Israel. We embrace reality and truth. We do not embrace lies and deceit. This is why you see us writing in these talkbacks. We have truth and justice on our side Jon.

You all should read the Prophet's visions of what happens when Jerusalem is divided.

jon, you are right. The majority on both sides want peace (there are also a number of regular polls conducted in palestine that demonstrate a strong majority that want a 2 state solution, google and you will find them) , a difficult peace to work out...but they do want peace. unfortunately both sides are being held hostage by various radical minorities some of whom post here.

Mike are you a Jew? Do you really live in Jerusalem? Where do you live Mike?

I am a Conservative Jew and an Independent voter in US politics. I, shamefully, was for Oslo and the disengagement. I had my doubts about withdrawing any further based on the results. Olmert was correct in changing his position., given PA perfidy. In the context of an overall, enforceable peace with the Arab-Muslim worlds, I would favor some sort of change in Jerusalem's status, assuming a referendum by the Arabs. But don't give away the Temple Mt, or the Wailing Wall, or the Jewish old city. If the Muslims and Christians want a piece of the city fine and dandy. Let them have it. If security is compromised....then there should be no deal with the Arabs., who have broken every settlement since 1948, right up to today. The Intifada is illegal, criminal and against the 67, and 73 cease fire accords that prevented the destruction of the Arabs in total. Remember, we called a Defcon alert to stop the Sovietskys in 73 from sending paratroopers to kill Jews.

What "strong majority" is that, Mike? The same strong majority that overwhelmingly voted for Hamas? Hamas that in its charter calls for the destruction of Israel and the annihilation of all its Jews? People you call "radicals" are not as stupid as you think they are.

of fire around it. How men could divide this fire, the Lord himself ? 1 Then I looked up--and there before me was a man with a measuring line in his hand! 2 I asked, "Where are you going?" He answered me, "To measure Jerusalem, to find out how wide and how long it is." 3 Then the angel who was speaking to me left, and another angel came to meet him 4 and said to him: "Run, tell that young man, 'Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of men and livestock in it. 5 And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,' declares the LORD, 'and I will be its glory within.' 6 "Come! Come! Flee from the land of the north," declares the LORD, "for I have scattered you to the four winds of heaven," declares the LORD. 7 "Come, O Zion! Escape, you who live in the Daughter of Babylon!" 8 For this is what the LORD Almighty says: "After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you--for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye-- 9 I will surely raise my hand against them so that their slaves will plunder them. Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me. 10 "Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you," declares the LORD. 11 "Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. 12 The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling." Zachariah 2, 1-13

Is that extremist, right-wing settler-controlled "Haaretz" quoting a different poll?

here kyle, from the latest palestinian center for policy and survey research poll (03/07) http://www.pcpsr.org/survey/polls/2007/p23e1.html#peaceprocess3 Some of the key results: 63% support and 35% oppose mutual recognition of Israel as the state for the Jewish people and Palestine as the state for the Palestinian people after the establishment of a Palestinian state and the resolution of all issues of conflict. A majority of 54% supports and 43% oppose a permanent settlement in which Israel withdraws from all occupied territories with the exception of settlement areas in less than 3% of the West Bank which would be subject to territorial exchange A majority of 71% support and 27% oppose the conduct of negotiations with Israel that would aim at establishing a Palestinian state in the Gaza Strip and about 80% to 90% of the West Bank to be followed by negotiations between the Palestinian state and Israel on a permanent settlement. Second, you claim a "strong majority that voted for Hamas? " Easy to deflate that kyle, first it was a plurality not a majority, Hamas receiving 44.45% and Fatah 41.43% not exactly a ringing endorsement for Hamas. In addition, the PLC would be much more evenly divided if Fatah didnt field more than one candidate in many districts. In addition, from survery results it is clear that people were voting against Fatah (and their corruption and inability to get a peace deal) more than they were voting for Hamas. So what is it, are you as stupid as I think you are or were you just being purposely disingenuous in your post 47?

Only in this city am I asked at least once a week what my religion is. Now even on the talkbacks!

Will Israel never learn? None of the many concessions they have made over the years has brought any kind of peace. Israel will never have peace with those whose only desire is her total destruction. Stop making concessions!

SHAME ON YOU!!! willing to make concessions in Jerusalem [for peace] IS NOT! willingness to DIVIDE!!!

I believe the pcpsr poll just about as much as I believe this YNet poll, which is to say, NOT AT ALL. What part of Jerusalem did you say you are from? Got a neighborhood or a street name? Or likely you are about as far from Jerusalem as Colorado.

great response Kyle, "I don't believe the polls" you probably don't beleive the election results i posted also that proved you wrong. Your weak response is the equivalent of putting your fingers in your ears, closing your eyes, and singing off-key very loudly. When do you move to your final line of defense and call me an anti-semite?

If the poll results you presented to kyle are correct , tell me why in 2000 Arafat refused Barak's propositions ? Propositions who gave the PA control over 98 % of the territories and a great part of Jerusalem . Can you also tell me why , Jerusalem being so "Holy" to Muslims , the king of Saoudi Arabia did not pay a visit there from 1948 and 1967 , when Jerusalem was occupied by Jordan ? Or has Jerusalem only became holy to Muslims since her liberation by the Israeli forces ?

Yes,the poll numbers are correct and are consistent over a long period of time, all of the survey results are in the site I linked. My initial statement that kyle objected to (with deliberate or lazy misstatements), that a majority of Palestinians and Israelis want peace and are being held hostage by radical minorities, remains. Your other questions are beside the point. keep your eye on the ball.

i agree with you that a majority of Israelis and Arabs of Israel and the territories want to live in peace . But the conditions they pose for this are quiet different . If the Israelis are ready to give away a part , maybe a big one , of the territories , in exchange of a TRUE peace , the other side wants much more , we have seen this when arafat refused the 2000 Barak's propositions , and answered with intifada . Other point , how can we , the Israelis , trust you when we see how you can't live peacefully with your own brethren . And this are questions very well related to our discussion . And , if you don't like a question , don't evade this by saying it's not related , very poor answer of a looser .

You know my position related to religion , but i'm part of the 96 % who won't give up the Kotel Maaravi for peace , even for a peace as you have in Europe between the ex arch enemies France and Germany .

Gaza still is not proof enough that the Arabs want no peace? What more do you need? . The"orthodox" are the source of evil? That is like Americans blaiming Jews for 9/11 or.. ourselves. Americans and Isrealis have a thinking problem!