[monkeyshine]

It's disputed territory according to the Israelis, and according to many Palestinians it's all theirs, including Israel itself. There is no place to build that fence without upsetting someone. It seems somewhat generous that Israel isn't slicing out every inch they possibly can, choosing to not protect certain settlements. It seems likely to me that this fence will end up being the border. I can't see how it's not going to be considered a defacto unilateral withdrawal. If they spun it right, the Palestinians can call it a victory, but it's obvious they won't.

[Askel5]

It's disputed territory according to the Israelis,

Was it a part of the UN's Divine intervention and partition or not?

Perhaps it's ignorant of me, but I draw a distinction between Jews who concern themselves (as Jews) with matters of faith and Israelis who (as Jews ... however actually "religious") concern themselves with the purely secular and political matters of State.

Because "Israelis" owe their State Nationality solely to the will of the World State who created their nation, I find it hard to believe they are somehow possessed of supra-national rights to claim, settle and demand annexation of whatever regions they wish based on ancient settlements or some exclusive promise from their God.

If this be the case, I suspect Mexico is watching intently. Sustained Executive-level and federal legislative encouragement of Mexico's illegal settlement programs is proceeding apace. Probably only a matter of time before they use Israel's technicalities to press their case at the UN and reclaim territories we basically took by force.

If what Israel is doing is just, I see no reason predominantly Mexican settlements in traditionally Mexican lands not be returned to Mexico.

[Richard Axtell]

Your posts are right on and save me some typing. One thing I will add; so many delusioned "Oslo believers" simply have not realized that there is such a thing as a point of no return. Arafat deliberately passed that point in the summer of 2000 when he refused to accept any reasonable peace, and began this "second intifada" and subsequent "suicide bomb offensive." Now, Sharon must defend his country, and so the wall will be built. Penetrable? Of course. Effective? Better than nothing. Can Arafat continue the offensive with the wall in place? Well, he can try. Can he continue to lead an economically and physically isolated Palestine, with no work, no trade, and no hope of any change? Perhaps not. Perhaps some brutal rival for power will off the vermin, as should have happened long ago.