Israeli cabinet backs referendum bill for peace process

[oberliner]

Source: BBC

The Israeli cabinet has approved a bill requiring any peace deal with the Palestinians to be put to a referendum.

A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that it was "important that on such historic decisions every citizen should vote directly".

The cabinet has also been discussing a controversial proposal by the PM to free a number of Palestinian prisoners.

The release forms part of US-backed efforts to resume the peace process.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23482540

[John2]

1. Well, this is

one time I finally agree with Netanyahu.

[oberliner]

2. Here's hoping something comes of this

Not super-optimistic, but stranger things have happened.

[7962]

3. Its all up to the Palestinians

Will they drop their most ridiculous demands? Will they recognize Israel's right to actually exist? Will any other countries; Jordan, Saudi Arabia, etc, help create a state? Will they stop lobbing rockets into Israel every day?
So many questions.

[oberliner]

4. I don't know about that

It takes two to tango, as they say.

[7962]

6. Well, remember when Clinton had them together

The Israelis agreed to 90%+ of what the Palestinians wanted and Arafat STILL turned it down. Because he was only relevant if there was conflict.

[KareBear]

5. I wonder if they realize

I wonder if they realize that once they have a state, shooting a rocket into another state is an act of war. The consequences could be more than they are willing to gamble.