Barry Rubin Is Now For Anti-Freeze

But first, he states:

Let me begin by saying that in exchange for full peace and an end to the conflict, I not only support the dismantling of all Jewish settlements on the territory of Palestine, I enthusiastically endorse it. Why then am I against freezing construction on existing Jewish settlements?

Well, for that "why?", I've compressed it thus:

The Case for Anti-Freeze: Regarding Israeli Construction on Settlements

--No advantage for Israel.

--Doesn’t advance peace.

--Doesn’t advance struggle against Iran and radical Islamism.

--Sends signal of weakness which will lead to escalation of Arab demands.

--This step will merely lead to the next demand on the U.S. and European list.

--It would compromise Israel’s goal of border modifications.

--The inclusion of east Jerusalem.

--Accepting the United States going back on its word sets a terribly dangerous precedent.

--It is only because they [the Arabs] don’t want a compromise peace that they complain about settlements without taking the simple step that would eliminate them.

--Finally, I believe that for all practical purposes, the United States is bluffing.

This makes for a pretty compelling case. Most Israelis across the political spectrum agree with it, though they would add additional points or omit some of those made above. But anyone who thinks this is merely a "right-wing" position understands nothing about contemporary Israeli politics and public opinion.

And that’s why Israeli policy is going to follow the anti-freeze path.