'We have a partner'

Here's Yaakov Peri former head the Shin Bet and currently of the Israeli Peace Initiative.

Dai Kvar (Enough Already)

Responding to the protests, Bibi promises "to change the face of the country." Tell me if you can make heads or tails of this:

"This can be our great opportunity," Netanyahu was quoted as saying. "No one can complain about the economy. The economy is working. But there are complaints, justified complaints, about the hardships of daily life, about the high cost of living.

"Everyone is asking me how I plan to deal with the political situation. My political strategy for the coming year is simple: Take real and serious care of these problems. My goal is not to dismantle the tents. They will not be dismantled. They are there to be there."

He's got no answers and even less credibility.

Seidemann on Two States

Here's Danny Seidemann who took us around Jerusalem. You can read about it here.

Thursdays and Saturdays . . . . What have you got to lose?

Israeli protestors return to the streets Thursday and Saturday. Am I the only one who thinks of Suite: Judy Blues Eyes when I hear Thursday and Saturday put together? From Woodstock to Rothschild Boulevard.

'Please Intervene!'

Here's Yehuda Bauer, Holocaust scholar and Israeli Prize laureate. You can read about our visit with him in Israel here.

But, but, but . . . .

Regardless of whether reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is willing to negotiate based on the 1967 borders are true, now is a good time to ask a question. When Israel eventually does negotiate on the 1967 borders, what are all those people who jumped up and down screaming hysterically when President Obama had the temerity to suggest it as a way forward going to say?

I think it's time to start making a list. Here's a run down of statements from GOP candidates from Politico on May 19:
 
1. Mitt Romney:  “President Obama has thrown Israel under the bus. He has disrespected Israel and undermined its ability to negotiate peace. He has also violated a first principle of American foreign policy, which is to stand firm by our friends.”

2.  Michele Bachmann: “[Obama] betrayed our friend and ally Israel. Obama’s call for 1967 borders will cause chaos, division & more aggression in Middle East and put Israel at further risk.”

3. Tim Pawlenty:  Obama's call for negotiations based on the 1967 borders was "a mistaken, a very dangerous demand."

All you eager commenters, feel free to add some more names. Bonus points for statements from self-appointed leaders of the Jewish community.

P.S. The land swaps negotiated by Barak and Olmert have no connection to the defense of Israels borders, as Gen. (Ret.) Sharoni told a group of us last week. It is purely a matter of demographics. The swaps have no impact on security, and are simply meant to bring as many settlers as possible within internationally recognized borders.

Will Bibi play his trump card?

With the protestors digging in their heels, Bradley Burston asked the question this morning, calling "peace" Netanyahu's trump card. Israel Radio is now reporting that Netanyahu has agreed to negotiate a possible withdrawal to pre-1967 borders. Reuters is out with a similar report. However these reports shake out, the next two months are not going to be boring. A word of warning - there will be plenty of head fakes and false reports, but if you turn away, you may just miss the real thing. And be sure to go on record! (Pssst, that's what the comments are for.)