PS
At Oslo the Palestinians clearly and unambiguously renounced armed struggle and accepted Israel's right to exist. But while Oslo provided symbols of independence like the right to issue postage stamps and raise flags, the occupation was further entrenched, settlements expanded and Arafat reduced to a Israeli virtual prisoner. (Hence Hamas' adamant refusal to follow suit).

Israel has since raised the bar and insists Palestinians must now recognize it as a "Jewish state", even though it signed still-honored peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan without that precondition. This latest demand is equivalent to Ottawa demanding First Nations recognize Canada as a "Christian country" before land negotiations. No self-respecting leader would accept.

This is precisely why Israel insists on it; it enables the "no peace partner" mantra allowing time for "facts on the ground" (illegal settlements) that abort the birth of a viable Palestinians state (as promised in Likud's election platform).