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Obama: "A Full and Phased Withdrawal" by Israel to "1967 Lines"

by Gavriel Queenann

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US President Barack Obama addressed his nation Thursday and called for a "full and phased withdraw of Israeli forces" from "occupied Palestinian lands."

Obama's comments came during Obama's much anticipated policy address at the State Department in which he outlined the United State's new foreign policy for the Middle East and North Africa in light of the "spring revolutions" that have rocked the region.

Saying the world was tired of "nothing but stalemate" in the Arab-Israeli conflict, and complaining that "settlement activity continues" while the "Palestinians have walked away from talks," Obama said Israelis cannot obtain the dream of a democratic and Jewish state through "occupation."

Obama called for "two states for two peoples" with permanent borders based on the "1967 lines with agreed upon swaps." The borders referred to as "1967 lines" are in fact the lines agreed upon in the 1949 armistice, following which Jordan occupied Judea and Samaria for 19 years.

"Our policy is two states for two peoples. Israel as a Jewish state for the Jewish people. Palestine as a Palestinian state for the Palestinian people. A viable Palestine; a secure Israel."

Calling for "permanent borders" before addressing the “future of Jerusalem” and "Palestinian refugees" Obama said he believed these "wrenching issues" would solve themselves because, in his words, "I am convinced majority of Israelis and Palestinians would rather look to the future than be trapped in the past." Obama, who justified remarks endorsing PA territorial demands by invoking the long-standing friendship between Israel and the United States, said that "because of that friendship we must speak the truth."

Saying Israel must "act boldly to advance a lasting peace" and claiming a "growing number of Palestinians" live west of the Jordan river, Obama put the onus on Israel to make "millions believe peace is possible" and - using language traditionally associated with one-sided Israeli concessions - said Israel must "act boldly to achieve a lasting peace."

At the same time Obama rejected unilateral moves by Palestinian Authority leaders to achieve a declaration of statehood outside of negotiations in the United Nations in September saying efforts to to isolate Israel in the UN, and delegitimize Israel, won't achieve statehood.

"No peace can be imposed, not by US, not by anyone else," Obama said.

While saying the US would "make every effort" to advance the "cause of peace" Obama outlined no plan - other than Israeli concessions - for achieving an agreement between Israel and the PA.

The most relevant part of Obama's speech for Israelis follows:

So while the core issues of the conflict must be negotiated, the basis of those negotiations is clear: a viable Palestine, and a secure Israel. The United States believes that negotiations should result in two states, with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, and permanent Israeli borders with Palestine. The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states. The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state.

As for security, every state has the right to self-defense, and Israel must be able to defend itself – by itself – against any threat. Provisions must also be robust enough to prevent a resurgence of terrorism; to stop the infiltration of weapons; and to provide effective border security. The full and phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces should be coordinated with the assumption of Palestinian security responsibility in a sovereign, non-militarized state. The duration of this transition period must be agreed, and the effectiveness of security arrangements must be demonstrated.

These principles provide a foundation for negotiations. Palestinians should know the territorial outlines of their state; Israelis should know that their basic security concerns will be met. I know that these steps alone will not resolve this conflict. Two wrenching and emotional issues remain: the future of Jerusalem, and the fate of Palestinian refugees. But moving forward now on the basis of territory and security provides a foundation to resolve those two issues in a way that is just and fair, and that respects the rights and aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians.

(IsraelNationalNews.com)