The Obama Plan Not Grounded in Middle East Reality

U.S. President Barack Hussein Obama has finally made his long awaited policy speech. Here are the relevant parts to us Israelis according to Arutz 7:

So while the core issues of the conflict must be negotiated, the basis of those negotiations is clear: a viable Palestine, and a secure Israel. The United States believes that negotiations should result in two states, with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, and permanent Israeli borders with Palestine. The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states. The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state.

As for security, every state has the right to self-defense, and Israel must be able to defend itself – by itself – against any threat. Provisions must also be robust enough to prevent a resurgence of terrorism; to stop the infiltration of weapons; and to provide effective border security. The full and phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces should be coordinated with the assumption of Palestinian security responsibility in a sovereign, non-militarized state. The duration of this transition period must be agreed, and the effectiveness of security arrangements must be demonstrated.

These principles provide a foundation for negotiations. Palestinians should know the territorial outlines of their state; Israelis should know that their basic security concerns will be met. I know that these steps alone will not resolve this conflict. Two wrenching and emotional issues remain: the future of Jerusalem, and the fate of Palestinian refugees. But moving forward now on the basis of territory and security provides a foundation to resolve those two issues in a way that is just and fair, and that respects the rights and aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians.

Let's take a look at the major points:

"The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps"

This has been rejected by the Arabs many times in the past. Why would they agree to it now? As for our security:

"As for security, every state has the right to self-defense, and Israel must be able to defend itself – by itself – against any threat. Provisions must also be robust enough to prevent a resurgence of terrorism; to stop the infiltration of weapons; and to provide effective border security. The full and phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces should be coordinated with the assumption of Palestinian security responsibility in a sovereign, non-militarized state. The duration of this transition period must be agreed, and the effectiveness of security arrangements must be demonstrated."

This is also a joke. Even now, where the "Palestinians" are autonomous without a state, they have violated all agreements with regards to security. Weapons are being smuggled through the Egyptian border as well as other places. Who is going to prevent this after they have a state? Who will keep this state "non-militarized"? The phrase "resurgence of terrorism" is also inexact, to say the least. It implies that the terror has ceased, and we have to prevent a resurgence. The truth is that the terror has not ceased even for a minute. And finally:

"Two wrenching and emotional issues remain: the future of Jerusalem, and the fate of Palestinian refugees. But moving forward now on the basis of territory and security provides a foundation to resolve those two issues in a way that is just and fair, and that respects the rights and aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians."

Are we really going to give up our land only to leave the Arabs with two excuses, Jerusalem and "the right of return" to continue terror? Sorry, I don't buy it!

It is about time that Mr. Obama gets to know exactly who he is dealing with: