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Netanyahu's world Jewry dilemma

Statements by Israeli officials against the two-state solution confront members of world Jewry with their latest dilemma: supporting Israel even when it endangers their interests in their countries of residence.
A woman looks at a billboard calling on Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Tel Aviv February 2, 2014. Breaking the Impasse, a group formed by Israeli businessmen, put a triumphant-looking Netanyahu at the centre of the billboard posters and newspaper ads calling on him to end the decades-old conflict with the Palestinians. "Only you can do it Bibi!" say the ads, using Netanyahu's nickname. Picture taken February 2, 2014. REUTERS/Baz Ratner (ISRAEL - Tags:
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My heart goes out to Mark Halperin of New York, Brigitte Cohen of Marseilles and Frank Lipschitz of Berlin (all the names are fictional). The three, like other activists in their Jewish communities, are enthusiastic Israel supporters. All three believe that the two-state solution is the sole key to ensuring the Jewish and democratic nature of the State of Israel. What are they telling their congressman, the students in their class or the neighbor across the way when asked these days where Israel’s government is heading?

Can they promise that the Israeli leadership is, in fact, willing to give back territories for peace and isn’t just playing for time? How can they know who is telling the truth regarding Israel’s intentions: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose representatives are conducting negotiations with the Palestinians on a permanent arrangement? Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, who called mediator US Secretary of State John Kerry “messianic”? Or is perhaps Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon right when he says that King Bibi (Netanyahu) is politically naked?

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