Is Time Running Out For A Peace Deal Between Israelis And Palestinians?

In Israel, Time for Peace Offer May Run Out -- New York Times

JERUSALEM — With revolutionary fervor sweeping the Middle East, Israel is under mounting pressure to make a far-reaching offer to the Palestinians or face a United Nations vote welcoming the State of Palestine as a member whose territory includes all of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem.

The Palestinian Authority has been steadily building support for such a resolution in September, a move that could place Israel into a diplomatic vise. Israel would be occupying land belonging to a fellow United Nations member, land it has controlled and settled for more than four decades and some of which it expects to keep in any two-state solution.

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My Comment: This is one conflict that will not change in the foreseeable future. While I am sympathetic with both sides, I am also fully aware that both sides have adopted conditions that the other side will not accept. The issue is land .... Israel wants to keep what it has, the Palestinians want it back. Throw in East Jerusalem .... and we are now positioned to have no agreement at all.

My prediction .... the movement to recognize Palestine as a legitimate state will grow in the UN, and it will be adopted by the mass majority of its members. But after such a resolution .... I expect nothing to change but more diplomatic pressure on Israel to find some accommodation with the Palestinians .... pressure that Israel will ignore.