Just trying to see where this is all headed and what might be the path of least resistance or bloodshed.
The path of least resistance and bloodshed is to remove the settlers (some or all), and establish a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza strip.
That's the solution that's backed by almost every country in the world, including the United States. It's backed by the main oposition party in Israel, and even Sharon
says it's the plan he's working to.
Isn't that what the Palestinians want from the Israelis? For some of them to leave their homes and relocate?
The more moderate Palestinian leaders want the Israeli settlers out, so that they can establish a state. The more extreme, like Hamas, want to destroy Israel totaly.
The majority of the settlers have been in place for 10 years or less, the vast majority for less than 20 years.
I guess you could call what the Palestinians are trying to do ethnic cleansing. In fact, they are the only ones doing any ethnic cleansing in that area, right?
Not really. Under international law, the Israeli settlements are unlawfull. Wanting to remove them is about as much like ethnic cleansing as America deporting illegal immigrants.
Tell me what happens when Israel goes to war with say Syria and/or another middle eastern country and the Palestinians decide to take advantge and begin more open attacks?
They cannot begin more open attacks. Their heaviest weapons are a few rpgs. They have no army.
Of course the Palestinians hate the Israelis. That's what I said. Do you think the Palestinians will ever stop their bombing as long as there are Jews in Jerusalem?
Yes.
With statehood comes responsibility, wether they like it or not.
I have no doubt some Palestinian groups will want to continue a terrorist campaign against Israel, but I have no doubt a Palestinian government will have to clamp down on them for it's own sake.
It pretty much happened the same way in Lebanon, and unlike the PLO, Hezbollah are an Islamic movement, and so
less likely to agree to peace with Israel.
Of course, a clearly defined border, with proper border controls, will make it very difficult for terrorists to cross, even if the Palestinians on the other side were not cracking down on them.