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As an east coast liberal Zionist Jew, I am totally with UG on this one.
The creation of state of Israel was recognized by the international community with the partition of Palestine.
And the state of Israel has attempted to make peace with its neighbors for 50+ years and has succeeded with its more moderate Arab neighbors - Egypt and Jordan.
It sought a two state solution with the Palestinians in the 90s, only to have Arrafat kill the deal.
It sought to make peace with the Hamas by unilaterally withdrawing from Gaza as a first step to a broader solution, only to be faced with 3 years of continuous rocket attacks into its southern cities.
Hamas exists solely to continue to wage war against Israel. It is at the very heart of its existence.
I would agree that Israel's response was heavy handed and did not help create an environment that could bring the parties to the negotiating table.
When Hamas is ready to recognize Israel's right to exist and disavow terrorism, I think they and the Palestinian people will find a willing partner.
And both sides will need to make hard choices and compromises.
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