By Ryan Jones
Nov 08, 2005
After five years of heightened Islamic terrorism, Israel's Jews have reached the conclusion that surrendering key parts of their ancient homeland for the creation of another Arab state will not bring the peace promised by their government and the gentile nations.
In a poll conducted by the Peace Index Project last week, 74 percent of respondents said a full Israeli withdrawal from all of Judea and Samaria ? an end to what the Arabs calls the ?occupation? - will not bring an end to ?Palestinian? violence, and may even intensify it.
Security experts made similar warnings prior to Israel's departure from Gaza, saying the move would encourage the ?Palestinians? to increase efforts to score a repeat victory in the ?West Bank.?
In the two months since the Gaza ?disengagement? successful terrorist attacks on Israelis have increased for the first time in two years.
In light of the current situation, 70 percent of Israelis questioned said they agree with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's refusal to meet with PLO chief Mahmoud Abbas.
A 61 percent majority believes Abbas wants to prevent the ongoing terror attacks, but is unable to do so, calling into question the validity of negotiating with his Palestinian Authority.
Sixty percent of respondents said that even if Hamas makes serious gains in upcoming parliamentary elections and receives key government positions, the group will not moderate its position on Israel or lessen its involvement in anti-Jewish terrorism.
Hamas' stated desire to annihilate Israel notwithstanding, Abbas has repeatedly defended the group's right to participate in the elections and gain influence both over his government and the ?peace? process.
Hamas is expected to garner up to 40 percent of the vote.