Debating U.S. Policy on the West Bank Settlements

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/22/opinion/letters/israel-palestinians.html

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To the Editor:

Re “In Reversal, U.S. Sides With Israel on Settlements” (front page, Nov. 19):

The idea is ludicrous that the path to Israeli-Palestinian peace can be furthered by the Trump administration’s new policy, which bows to Israel’s expansionism in the West Bank. But that is what Secretary of State Mike Pompeo asserted.

Palestinians desire a contiguous portion of their historic lands on which to run their own nation. That’s the vision that would bring them to the bargaining table with some hope.

The unchecked establishment of settlements, which splinter the Palestinians’ territory and dominate the ridgelines above their villages and towns, has them reacting with alarm and outrage. That doesn’t make for an atmosphere conducive to talking peace.

Helen WinternitzBoulder, Colo.The writer is the author of “A Season of Stones: Living in a Palestinian Village.”

To the Editor:

Re “One Thing Trump Gets Right” (column, nytimes.com, Nov. 21):

Bret Stephens is right: Although there is much to abhor about President Trump and his policies, obsessing over settlements is not the way to solve the conflict.

Israel’s enemies attacked the country mercilessly before a single settlement was built, and when Israel pulled every Jew out of Gaza, the result was nothing resembling peace.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which launch rockets at Israeli civilians whenever expedient, don’t care if Israel leaves the West Bank because they have always wanted to “liberate” every inch of “Palestine,” which includes Jews nowhere near the disputed areas.

Israel has shown its willingness to give up land, but the Palestinians need to show their willingness to tolerate a Jewish state in their midst. Settlements are not the cause of the continuing Palestinian rejection of Israel.

Sara MillerNew York