Since 1967 Israel has undeniably created a "one-state reality" within what was once Mandatory Palestine. With over 400,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank, the possibility of a Palestinian state seems remote. Has reality on the ground made the two-state solution impossible?
Yes, I also suspect that the numbers have changed somewhat, which is why I hedged the statement. But the majority of the settlers are in fact living in bedroom communities not far inside the West Bank and may be more persuadable. We tend to think only of the more ideologically-driven when we talk about settlers.
You cite a poll from almost twenty years ago that found 2/3 of settlers willing to respect a democratic decisions to withdraw. Is there any reason to believe the percentage would still be anything like as high? Does no pollster even bother to ask such a question anymore?
Yes, I also suspect that the numbers have changed somewhat, which is why I hedged the statement. But the majority of the settlers are in fact living in bedroom communities not far inside the West Bank and may be more persuadable. We tend to think only of the more ideologically-driven when we talk about settlers.
You cite a poll from almost twenty years ago that found 2/3 of settlers willing to respect a democratic decisions to withdraw. Is there any reason to believe the percentage would still be anything like as high? Does no pollster even bother to ask such a question anymore?