...I truly believe that a two-state solution is the only way to ensure a more stable Middle East and to grant Israel the security and well-being it desires. As tensions grow, I cannot but feel that we in the region are on the verge of missing an opportunity - one that we cannot afford to miss....
The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has declared publicly that he believes in the two-state solution, but he is expending all of his political effort to block Mr Abbas's bid for statehood by rallying domestic support and appealing to other countries. This is not the wisest step Mr Netanyahu can take.
In the worst-case scenario, chaos and violence could erupt, making the possibility of an agreement even more distant, if not We Israelis simply do not have the luxury of spending more time postponing a solution. A further delay will only help extremists on both sides who seek to sabotage any prospect of a peaceful, negotiated two-state solution. Moreover, the Arab Spring has changed the Middle East, and unpredictable developments, such as the recent attack on Israel's embassy in Cairo, could easily explode into widespread chaos. It is therefore in Israel's strategic interest to cement existing peace agreements with its neighbours, Egypt and Jordan.
In addition, Israel must make every effort to defuse tensions with Turkey as soon as possible. Turkey is not an enemy of Israel. I have worked closely with the Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In spite of his recent statements and actions, I believe he understands the importance of relations with Israel. Mr Erdogan and Mr Netanyahu must work to end this crisis immediately for the benefit of both countries and the stability of the region....
More at link - and you may be as surprised as I was to discover who wrote this:
http://www.todayonline.com/Commentary/EDC110922-0001556/For-Israel-and-Palestinians,-its-peace-now---or-never
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