Peace Talks: Israelis Signal Willingness to Divide Jerusalem

President Barack Obama opened the first round of direct peace talks with Middle East countries, hosting leaders from Jordan, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinians at the White House yesterday.  Each leader pledged their respective cooperation and expressed hope that the talks would eventually yield a breakthrough.

President Obama insists that now is the time for a lasting peace agreement, and hopes for one that includes a two-state solution.   New out today suggests that Israel is willing to make a sweeping concession — the division of Jerusalem — as part of a peace pact with Palestinians.  The New York Post reports:

Defense Minister Ehud Barak signaled that his government is ready to drop its demand that even after the creation of a Palestinian state, Jerusalem would “remain the undivided capital of Israel.”

“West Jerusalem and 12 Jewish neighborhoods that are home to 200,000 [Israeli] residents will be ours,” Barak told the newspaper Haaretz.

“The Arab neighborhoods in which close to a quarter million Palestinians live will be theirs,” he added, referring to the eastern part of the city that was captured from Jordan in the 1967 Mideast war.

Barak is a former Israeli prime minister who tried to reach a “final status” agreement with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in the last days of Bill Clinton’s administration. He blamed the talks‘ failure on Arafat’s refusal to compromise on Jerusalem.

Stay tuned to TheBlaze for all the latest updates from the ongoing peace talks this week.

Comments (97)

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  • LJ_4_JESUS
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:41pm

    Why? Just keep looking up (Titus 2:13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ

    Report Post »  
  • roundup55
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:40pm

    i wonder what chairman obama threatened the Israeli’s with. i can’t believe they would give up like that!
    don’t they remember what happens every time the enemy wins? they attack again! just watch! the ink won’t be dry on this loser of a contract than the muslims will start braying about how the rest of Israel
    is theirs to! this fight will end when every jew in the middle east is either dead or displaced! unless of course Israel fights back and throws the enemy into the sea! and they better hurry! the iranians are planning a little clambake for the jews and the jews are the clams! time is indeed….very very short.

    Report Post »  
  • southway
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:36pm

    For a guy who ran on not telling other countries how to run their affairs, 0bama seems pretty comfortable telling the Israelis what to do.
    Why aren’t we telling the Israelis and Palestinians to sort out their own problems.

    Report Post » southway  
  • d1carter
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:34pm

    I only heard one side say what they wanted…and I am not sure that he speaks for his side.

    Report Post »  
  • DOGMAN
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:30pm

    the fight will never end sorry to say….

     
  • DOGMAN
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:25pm

    obama acts a good game but he is the puppet of a bigger plan! Jon voight had an interesting letter from an egptian prime minister and you should of heard it.. he brought it up to hannity! Obama saying not to worry i got it taking care of…speaking about how he would handle israel! He’s muslim and raised to be where he is…look at all he has done against americans and i mean american’s! Of all nationalities! After all to radical islam we americans are Zionist like Israel! makes u wonder…

     
  • ottomets
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:23pm

    so that is going to stop the fighting. i am going to hold my breath let me know when i can breathe again

    Report Post »  
  • Amdan
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:21pm

    Not surprised that Ehud Barak said this, but I don’t see anything that says Netanyahu agrees. I will be very surprised if Jerusalem is up for negotiation while “Bibi” has anything to say about it.

    Report Post »  
  • grsteinberg
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:19pm

    Hamas will derail any attempt at peace talks. PM of Israel should not give up the store.

    Report Post »  
  • timjy
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:15pm

    Got to see a little more before i will believe this is not just a november promise for the obama team.

    Report Post »  
  • Dmoff206
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:08pm

    If this happens, when will the Rest of Jerusalem go to the Palistinians? Does any one REALLY believe this will bring peace to the region when the Palistinians real goal is the mass murder of all Jews?
    PLEASE!!! Are people really this stupid??? I hope not!!!

    Report Post » Dmoff206  
  • Steve987
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:03pm

    If allowed to go on much further, not only is Political Correctness going to kill this country, it is also going to kill Israel. When are we all going to wake up??

    Report Post »  
  • t00nces2
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:48pm

    They should agree with the stipulation that if any part of the treaty is broken Isreal will make war and kill as many Palistinians as it can and take whatever land it can get… Or, there can be peace.

    Report Post »  
  • Sefton
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:48pm

    “Israel is willing to make a sweeping concession — the division of Jerusalem — as part of a peace pact with Palestinians.”

    I think must of us know that this will not lead to peace.
    If I were Netanyahu, I would put a disclaimer on this “concession”… should it come about …
    Any hostilities break out from this newly-formed Palestinian eastern Jerusalem, all bets are off and we take it back. Meaning, if I were a Palestinian, I wouldn’t sign a long lease.

    Report Post » Sefton  
  • TerriLPN
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:45pm

    Unbelievable, is this the End Time???

    Report Post » TerriLPN  
    • Standardbearer2010
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 7:48pm

      it most certainly is, and I for one am on Israel’s side.. I hope people realize that the territory they’re talking about giving to the Arabs is the one with the Temple Mount on it. How can the Temple be rebuilt if Arabs have control of it? I don’t think that G-d will allow this farce to happen. Just my opinion

      Report Post »  
    • aimeEIGHTTWOEIGHT
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:03pm

      I believe so…these are the SIGNS of time…

      Report Post »  
    • aimeEIGHTTWOEIGHT
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:23pm

      These could be the SIGNS OF THE TIME…

      Report Post »  
  • Freelancer
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:42pm

    If this fails miserably I won’t be surprised. Hamas does NOT want peace. On the other hand, if the two parties agree on peace, can you imagine the size of Obama’s head and the constant drum of “I did what no other could do” and the repeated reminders of it? If they do arrive at a solution, it will be because the TWO parties agreed to it, not because the Anointed One hosted the negotiations. When Obama has snubbed Israel in the past and his buddy Ayers and wife are setting up another flotilla with a ship named “The Audacity of Hope” (coincidence?) things will get ugly very fast and you can bet that Obama will claim he knew nothing of it.

    Report Post » Freelancer  
  • Snowbunnie
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:39pm

    As far as I am concerned, Israel should NOT EVER compromise of dividing Jerusalem. Nor should they concede any more land. Go back to the 67 War boundaries when they captured the Golan Heights and the West Bank and KEEP THEM. Jordan, Syria and others have a whole lot more land to divy up for the ‘palestinian state’ as they like to call it. When these murderers denounce Hamas and Hezbollah, and when others in the Arab world are willing to ‘compromise’ on land boundaries, then Israel MIGHT feel like ‘negotiating’. What is wrong with BiBi? Just because the current administration is less than supportive is no reason to go all wobbly now! Iran is gearing up and the squeeze is getting tighter.

    Report Post » Snowbunnie  
    • Redcell1967
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 6:25pm

      I hope that in this instance what we are hearing about the division Jerusalem is nothing more than empty words on Bibis part. He is a very intelligent man with a very good grasp of history and i am hoping that what this is, is a copy from the old Soviet military and foreign ministry play book. If you look at the path they would follow before initiating a military offensive of any kind they almost always would preempt it with peace talks to dilute the oppositions focus, give them (USSR) a better supportive standing with the rest of the world, wait for an opening of any kind to respond to an attack or supposed aggresive action to enable them to call up more forces and send them to that area for defensive puposes, and finally the last phase would be to wait untill the eve of a big holiday to strike. Now i have no proof of any of this just guess work and recieving some info from family in Israel, but maybe the leadership of Israel will finally try a different method and use the same ploys that the arabs and other despots have been using for years with success. Just think about it Israel plays nicey nice with the PA says some more rubbish like dividing Jerusalem etc. then the wild card hamas comes in and makes another cold blooded attack like the one outside of Hebron. They try for peace harder than before but all they get is more deaths and rockets and bombs how could any decent judeochristian person NOT stand behind Israel and support her,her warriors, and people?

      Report Post »  
  • ASG
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:39pm

    This is nothing more than the “Blackmailers Paradox” as explained by the distinguished Nobel Laureate Robert Aumann. It essentially nothing more than making an extremely ridiculous demand (i.e. giving up half of Jerusalem) as the starting point of a negotiation and making it known that this is the only way to reach a so called compromise.

    http://www.aish.com/search/?author=97755769

     
  • Ellie
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:36pm

    I have severe doubts that anyone from outside this conflict will ever manage to create a lasting peace. Not even Obama, with his Peace Prize for outstanding use of a teleprompter during the campaign, will succeed at creating a peace that will out last his only term as U.S. President.

    A lasting peace will only come when those who are fighting realize it is better for them and their future generations to reach a peace where their ideological differences are mutually tolerated.

    Report Post » Ellie  
  • ManBearPig
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:34pm

    Wow. Is Israel really ready to jump the shark on this issue? Unreal. Then again, I‘m sure it’ll bring instant peace and harmony to the region. Doesn‘t having arch enemies living within a stone’s (or missle’s) throw from each other do that?

    Report Post »  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:26pm

      Great point.
      This is not a smart move by Israel.

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • Lady Liberty
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 5:09pm

      I think it is important for Israel to show that they are willing to compromise (they aren’t the bad guy). Do I think it’s smart for them to compromise, no! But they have no other choice or the world and their allies (US) will completely turn on them. Can you imagine if Israel was being difficult during these talks? The media would have a field day with it and say that Israel gets what it deserves. Funny how we haven’t heard anything so far about this “peace talk” in the fringe media. Could it be because Israel isn’t looking like the bad guy in them? There is definitely more than meets the eye here.

      Report Post »  
  • skimoney
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:31pm

    Only for the jews……..god will make sure of that

    Report Post »  
  • ShawnB
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:28pm

    We will see what happens…

     
    • aimeEIGHTTWOEIGHT
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 12:58pm

      Amen to that. Israel was God‘s Chosen People but let’s not forget Israel turned her back to God. Who knows this is Israel’s test of time! We need to pray for peace…

      Report Post »  
  • ShawnB
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:27pm

    It seems to be the end of days… Man I wish I had been born in a different time…

     
    • NickyLouse
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:47pm

      Read Joel 3. Here’s an excerpt:

      “In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land.

      Stay close to God for He is our shield.

      NickyLouse  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:25pm

      NickyLouse….. isn’t that what Beck was trying to say on 8/28? :)

      JJ Coolay  
    • BrandyWilson
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:45pm

      Could this be the fulfilling of this Scripture? Rev 16:19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

       
    • Bouthadit1
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 4:45pm

      In Daniel 9:27 it says there will be a convenant for One week(prophetic 7 years) but it will be broken in the midst or 3 and 1/2 years.There will be no peace till the Prince of Peace returns.Just a thought

       
    • Bama_Sooner
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 5:51pm

      No, this is a great time to be alive. You can watch God move in the political lives
      of other nations, and in ours. Watch God move and protect Israel, and hopefully
      God will be merciful to our because of our treatment of His chosen people the Jews.

      Report Post »  
    • edwardmayreth
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 6:21pm

      Could not think of a better time to be alive to witness what is coming down the pipe. Prophecy unfolds around us every day.

      Report Post »  
    • Sion
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 8:39pm

      This is the best time to be alive! We are seeing prophecy being fulfilled right before our eyes, and most of the world is asleep. Read Daniel 11:39 ‘And he shall deal with the strongest fortresses by the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall magnify with glory and honor, and he shall cause them to rule over many and shall divide the land for a price.’ Divide the land for a price, What price would that be? the promise of peace? No chance until the Lord returns.

      Report Post »  
    • glittersky
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 10:49pm

      I sometimes wish that I had been born in a different time too. It would be great to be alive to see His return, what a glorious day that will be! But the human side of me fears the evil that will take place first. God be with His children!!

      Report Post » glittersky  
    • allenprim
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 9:11am

      This is a special time, especially if we are in the end times. Consider yourself bless instead as we could be the people called for this time. As fearful as it may seem and as bad as it will get, Know that our Father in Heaven is our provider and lean on His wisdom. Not to claim it wont be harsh, many have suffered greatly in His name and cause, but as Jesus asked for the cup to be removed from Him, He said Your will and not mine as he spoke to our Father. Trust God until death and it is ok to be scared, I am too.

      Report Post » allenprim  
    • mary841
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 3:44pm

      I used to think that too. However, I now know that I was born for this time and that I have a purpose. Even if that purpose is to pray for Israel. Just remember, this is our temporary home. Keep looking up :)

      Report Post »  
    • mary841
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 3:48pm

      Does ANYONE really think that God will allow that to happen?

      Report Post »  
  • skimoney
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:27pm

    Jerusalem for the jews only……ti’ll the end of time

    Report Post »  
  • countryman
    Posted on September 2, 2010 at 3:23pm

    ok lets try this one more time

     
    • GeneralGeorgeHThomas
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 5:27pm

      Never happen!

      MG Geo. H. Thomas, USA  
    • cacjohn
      Posted on September 2, 2010 at 7:11pm

      I will believe it when I see it. Israel will never agree to divide it up without some sort of external force coming from an outsider – oh wait…, I have underestimated the current administration’s ability to bully others in the past. Perhaps this is possible afterall. Prayer is the answer!

      Report Post »  
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