With Netanyahu and his LIKUD party ready to take over, it is only fair to find out a bit more about this party. How? By reading its charter (1), of course.
In the “Peace and Security” chapter of the Likud Party platform, a recent document (1999) it says that “Peace is a primary objective of the State of Israel. The Likud will strengthen the existing peace agreements with the Arab states and strive to achieve peace agreements with all of Israel's neighbors with the aim of reaching a comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict”, but it goes on with the effect of annihilating the slightest chance of a 2 states solution:
-About settlements: “The Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza are the realization of Zionist values. Settlement of the land is a clear expression of the unassailable right of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel and constitutes an important asset in the defense of the vital interests of the State of Israel. The Likud will continue to strengthen and develop these communities and will prevent their uprooting”
Then it annihilates any chance to see a Palestinian sovereign state:
-About Self Rule: “The Government of Israel flatly rejects the establishment of a Palestinian Arab state west of the Jordan river. The Palestinians can run their lives freely in the framework of self-rule, but not as an independent and sovereign state. Thus, for example, in matters of foreign affairs, security, immigration and ecology, their activity shall be limited in accordance with imperatives of Israel's existence, security and national needs”
And finally:
-About Jerusalem: “Jerusalem is the eternal, united capital of the State of Israel and only of Israel. The government will flatly reject Palestinian proposals to divide Jerusalem, including the plan to divide the city presented to the Knesset by the Arab factions and supported by many members of Labor and Meretz”
Therefore annihilating any future peace negotiations, East Jerusalem as capital of a Palestinian state being non negotiable for any Palestinian.
We have therefore established that the Likud party charter does not recognize Palestine and will not accept a sovereign Palestinian state.
The soon to come non recognition of Likud by the international community and an implemented blockade on Israel should therefore not come as too much of a surprise for most Israelis.
Frank Barat is a peace activist living in London. He can be reached through his blog “Life under occupation”.
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