Re: Tannenwald Op Ed (March 27) 3

Posted

Contrary to what Ms. Tannenwald wrote,  Israel does not rule the Palestinian Arabs, since signing Oslo Accord more than 20 years ago. The Palestinians  have their own parliament, two governments (in Ramallah and in Gaza Strip). They have huge budgets (much of which finds its way to private individuals or building tunnels), independent economy, media and an education system that does not recognize Israel as a legitimate entity. They have an army, police and a foreign ministry and pursue public diplomacy efforts; they have an automatic majority in the U.N. and enjoy clear sympathy from the Obama administration. They are not really interested in a little state to “live in peace alongside Israel.” That option has been available to them for the past 50 years. They fight for a full control of the Jordanian border so they can arm themselves to attack Israel. Netanyahu promised Israelis that he will not allow this to happen.  Palestinian Arabs don’t participate in the Israeli elections because they vote in their own national elections.  Hamas won when they voted last time.

Yuri Japhet

Pawtucket, R.I.