1.       Because of the almost even split between conservative (Likud) and liberal (Kadima), it is necessary for a coalition government to be formed. In order to form a center-right cabinet representing a majority of the Knesset (Israeli parliament), it was necessary to include members from the far right parties, representing the ultra-orthodox constituency.

2.       The majority party in the government, Likud, states frankly in its platform that

a.       Israel’s eastern border will be the Jordan River; hence

b.      Israel will never allow a Palestinian state to be created west of the Jordan River

c.       The only negotiation “partner” that Israel recognizes is the Kingdom of Jordan

[To verify this, Google: Likud platform Knesset. From the list select the official Knesset document near or at the top of the list.]

From this we can see that Israel does not negotiate in good faith. Indeed, negotiations between the sovereign state of Israel and any organization from the occupied territory, which Israel does not recognize as a valid state must be analogous to negotiations between the US and the mail carrier’s union. The peace negotiations, that have dragged on for decades, are a sham, no doubt to allay the demands of the United States. Indeed, Prime Minister Shamir declared “I could talk for 10 years, and in that time we could have [another] half million settlers.” And this is what happened.

The ultra-orthodox program is to create a theocracy in Israel. Like all fundamentalist religious parties (Taliban, Southern Baptists, etc.) they start by attacking women’s rights. Their latest outrages are described by the outspoken LA Times correspondent,  Edmund Sanders.

Click here for Edmund Sanders dispatch

The Haredi (ultra-orthodox) use force to make women to ride in the back of the bus.

http://www.haaretz.com/woman-beaten-on-j-lem-bus-for-refusing-to-move-to-rear-seat-1.207251

The other major party in the Knesset, Kadima, led by Tzipi  Livni, claims to accept creation of a Palestinian state. But she would accept the fanatical jingoist, Avigdor Lieberman’ party into the government.

But in the confusion of right-center-left parties in Israel, one thing is certain. There will be no progress towards peace and coexistence until the ultra-orthodox creeping progress to the Israeli theocracy is broken.

The first step has to be admission of Palestine to full membership in the United Nations.  Then and only then can there be meaningful negotiations. Obama and Clinton please note.

Note: the back of the bus is better than no bus at all:

http://972mag.com/palestinian-freedom-riders-set-to-board-segregated-west-bank-buses/27785/