It's Not the Settlements

In an editorial today, the Washington Post says that newly-appointed Middle East Envoy George Mitchell ought to make stopping Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank his priority.

Even setting aside for now the argument that Israel won the West Bank in a defensive war and "to the victor, go the spoils," we're a far ways away from even considering what should be the final disposition of the West Bank.

The existence of Israeli communities in the West Bank is not what is preventing peace. Rather, the problem rests, as it always has, with Palestinian intransigence and their unwavering commitment to Israel's eventual destruction.

Gaza offers all the proof necessary of this fact. In Gaza, Israel vacated every last settlement and settler, giving the Palestinians a chance to build their state and demonstrate their commitment to living in peace. They blew that chance. Instead, they elected Hamas, despite its history of blowing up busses and other civilian targets in Israel. Hamas thanked Palestinians by turning Gaza into a launching pad for a rocket war on Israel.

Considering that Palestinians squandered the opportunity in Gaza, the last thing that ought to be considered now is allowing them to squander another opportunity in the West Bank.

Until the Palestinians get their act together, throw out their terrorist leaders, and reject violence once and for all, may Israeli settlements and settlers be "fruitful and multiply." Maybe then, once Palestinians see this happening, they will reconsider and begin making the right choices. Until then, let them suffer and learn from their wrong ones.