Well Doug #9, some groups of Jewish Israelis believe that Arabs should be expelled from the West Bank and the state of Israel borders expanded to historic "eretz" (land of) Israel. But they no more speak for their government than some Palestinians do for their's.

And if you think there is a link between being pro American and pro Israel, wait for the developing conflict between the two and take sides then.

Bat-Zion Susskind #8, you have to know that the Americans have not recognised the annexation of East Jerusalem and when they mean a united Jerusalem, they don't mean they expect the Palestinians to cede their claim on the 67 territory of East Jerusalem in any peace settlement. They brokered the Road Map peace process which included an end to settlement building activity (both new settlements and expanding ones that already existed). Some of the more astute minds in Israel have tried to fly a united Jerusalem concept where it is capital of two states. Which speaks to the ambition of some to change facts on the ground unilaterally to either undermine this, or realise it on their own terms.

You have to know that the Americans have blocked Israeli access to weapons purcahses they have desired in the last year or so. That Petraeus has said that Israeli actions are a threat to the well-being of US forces in the field. If the current Israeli government keeps it's finger where it is, it will get broken.

Israel has maintained an economic and military superiorty over the Palestinians since the formation of the state. This superiority is due in part to the continued support of the United States which is the dominate economic and military power in the world, politically influenced by powerful pro-zionist lobby groups. The muslim world by inlarge remains impotent with a small, but oil rich ruling (mainly the Saudi) elite who have little interest in rocking the status quo. This means that Israel has been able to maintain the upper hand in the negotiating table and can often dictate terms. However what we are seeing now, is a gradual shift in the geopolitical world with China emerging as a power in it's own right along with the Indian subcontinent. Both of which are becoming increasingly bold at flexing their geopolitical muscle. Being dragged along in their wake are other emerging sizable Muslim countries; such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan. At the same time we are seeing greater political representation in the United States and Europe from their Muslim constituents. I have the greatest sympathy for Israel being in a precarious and unstable position, in such an unstable and volatile region that it is. However I would venture to say, that at this point in time it has the economic and military advantage over the Palestinians. This means it has greater leverage at forming an equitable solution now. I would urge Israel to take the initiative to finding lasting peace while it still is in a positon of strength at the table. We have no idea how the geopolitical world map might change in the next hundred years or so.

Well Bruce, my point is one group have vowed to murder and kill all the people of Israel, IS THAT OFFFENSIVE TO NATURAL JUSTICE. YES IT IS. You anti American's make me laugh as you revel in the right to freedom and free speach your hipocracy is palpable.

One June 4, 2008, Barak Obama said: "Let me be clear. Israel's security is sacrosanct. It is non-negotiable. The Palestinians need a state that is contiguous and cohesive, and that allows them to prosper — but any agreement with the Palestinian people must preserve Israel's identity as a Jewish state, with secure, recognized and defensible borders. Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided.

I have no illusions that this will be easy." http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-421345

Still think that Israel's move was the "equivalent of a one-fingered salute to the United States and to the peace process. "

If you do, I suggest you re-think!

This has been going on for ages, innocent people killed, raped, illegal detentions, disappearances, use of biological and chemical weapons. The only solution is free palestinian state. No one realises how severe the crisis is, gross human rights violation happening in Palestine and no one is allowed to write or publish photographs/videos. This is fuelling hatred against west in Muslim world day by day and they have turned to violence to make world realise of their suffering as their every single attempt is ignored or simply labelled as anti-jewish/it's their jeiwsh land and belongs to them. This issue can lead to world war 3 hope our politicians do something about it.

Well Doug, first consider that Jewish identity is not based on race, even if most share common male line ancestry. Second that while Jews are part of the northern Semite human population, alongside Palestinians, Lebanese and Syrians, northern Semites are not a race either. Southern Semites - such as those of Saudi Arabia (from which comes the term Arab – and those speaking Arabic, including those not of the male line Semite ancestry are now called Arabs) are fellow Semites, but Semites are also not a race. The term Semite reflects a cultural or ethnic identity.

The issue is not about building houses it is about an occupying power (realised by capacity for military violence) determining the building policy in the territory designated for another state, without the consent of the local population. It would be akin to the Americans determining oil field ownership and supply contract policy in Iraq before holding elections there.

"Palestinian violence against Israel and vows to wipe it from the map do nothing to promote the peace process either". It's pretty clear who the evil group is in this. A. A group who have vowed to attempt to kill all jewish people (haven't we had one of those before? B. A group of people that want to build some houses! Clear then ... is there anything worse than building a house, how low can they stoop. As for wanting to kill lots of men women and children just because of their race. No no we must support them at every turn, nothing like a bit of genocide to sell a few socialist newspapers!

Vicount, DNA evidence shows that Jews and other northern semites share common male line ancestry about 2000BCE. Palestinians along with Lebanese (related to the original Canaanites) and Syrians are amongst these northern semites. There is no archeological evidence supporting the bible myth that a conquest of the land involving wiping out the original inhabitants occured. Palestinians probably include descendants of Jews who converted to Christianity and some of these then converted to Islam.

The wider policy line that Jewish settlements in the West Bank need room to grow to survive is not consistent with their own policy to restrain Arab villages within Israel to their 1948 borders. The whole policy is offensive to natural justice on so many levels.

This is the issue in the way of peace and yet the Americans make an issue of an insensitive timing - because it interfers with their peace initiative.

Clearly after Copenhagen the Americans feel every slight to their pride - but what apart from renewed whining about the under-valued yuan and now loss of status as a peace broker is going to result?

Hopefully some boldness in policy - why not declare support for a 67 border West Bank Palestinian state (given Hamas has turned Gaza into an area which is unfit to be part of a modern nation state) including Jewish settlements. Simply ask for the PA to guarantee Jewish settler security and then ask for the IDF to withdraw to within 67 borders. If that will not change Israel's attitude to peace talks nothing will.

As long as Israel insists on building settlements on disputed land especially Arab East Jerusalem there will never be peace in the Middle East. As I see it this is an attempt by Israel to drive the Palestinians from East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank thus depriving the Palestinians of a homeland. The problem is the Palestinians aren't going anywhere. The sooner the Israelis accept that fact the better. Also, the Israeli's would be better advised with assisting the Palestinian Authority in eliminating Hamas. That would be a major step towards achieving peace in the region.