<Would israel accept statehood?>
The religious parties would be against it, as Israel would have to separate Church and State. But the huge majority of Israelis are firmly secular, and there is a rising tide of resentment at the power of the religious parties. These small parties have had inordinate influence, as they often held the balance of power in Israeli politics. The biggest winner in the last election was an anti-Orthodox secular party.
Likud would be against it, because they are committed to a military solution, and continued colonization of the Occupied Territories. Sharon keeps giving lip service to the idea of a Palestinian State, and keeps funding more settlements, and expansion of existing settlements. With every passing year, the territory available for a Palestinian State, keeps shrinking. On the other hand, that seems to be the de facto U.S. policy as well, so maybe there is no conflict there.
The remnants of socialism in Israel would be against it, but they are a fading force.
That would be the main opposition in Israel. I don't think most Americans would care much, one way or the other.
If Senator Lieberman becomes President (a long shot), this could suddenly seem a lot less unlikely. |
