Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu gave his much-anticipated Palestinian Policy speech today. Analysts were waiting to see whether he would reject the two-state solution or change his long-held view, and accept a future Palestinian state, in response to serious pressure for the Obama administration. The assumption was that he was in a no-win situation; either lose his base or escalate confrontation with the United States.
Instead, Netanyahu created a third option. He endorsed a Palestinian state, albeit without a military. Long time followers of Netanyahu will note that this exactly what his view has been since time immemorial, just worded slightly differently. However, to the gullible media, and the history-illiterate Obama administration, this was a stunning reversal. I wouldn't have believed this would work.
To understand, think about what the implications of a Palestinian state would be. After all, since Oslo, the Palestinians already have their own elected government and responsibility for their own affairs. This is known as the Palestinian Authority. What's the difference between an Authority and a State?
A Military.
It's similar to the Same-sex Marriage debate here in these United States. Most people don't realize that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states, and no one is capable of legally banning that. Anyone can marry in their private religous institution as long as that institution allows. The only debate is whether the state will record it, which has minor implications for health insurance, life insurance and some hospital visits. I don't think most people realize that's all the debate is about.
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