Quote Originally Posted by Tuerto View Post
So the question is, do you think that Israel is justified in what it is-has done in annexing Palestinian land, and forcing palestinians out of their homes? It's enough to understand why this situation has arisen, but do you think it's justified?
Whilst yours is a straightforward question I don't think you can give it a straightforward answer.

It is easy for us to say how Israel should behave, and there are many Israelis who would agree (the peace protest by Israelis and Palestinians in Tel Aviv today), however there are many in Israel who believe they the God given right to the land and that it was taken from them by the Arabs. This will please the orthodox and ultra orthodox Jewry. There is also the viewpoint that this landgrab is about extending Israel as much as possible before Hamas finally comes to the table.

To answer your question whether it is justified, some in Israel believe they are literally fighting for their existence. Hamas believe the same. I'm a believer in a single state solution as there are elements on both sides who cannot countenance a two state solution, and as long as they exist, there will never be peace. Until the moderates on both side take control, both sides will believe their actions are justified.