Israel's Extremes are Laid Before the Reader in Strong Relief

"Israel Removes an Illegal Settler Outpost in the West Bank"; By Isabel Kershner; A6

Two statements stand out in Isabel Kershner's article, "Israel Removes...," one from former outpost resident Daniel Landesberg, the other from Peace Now's Yariv Oppenheimer. Both expose the weaknesses of thought and argument from those at Israel's extremes.

Landesberg exaggeratedly suggests that Israel will do whatever the US wants. Oppenheimer is dismissive of the dismantling because Maoz Esther is not "significant."

Landesberg's comment is typical of those affiliated with religious Zionist Gush Emunim movementfor whom Israel can never act affirmatively enough. There is even a strain of anti-Americanism in this movement. In contrast, for Oppenheimer and those in Peace Now, America must effectively parent the ever recalcitrant son, Israel, and Israeli independence is regarded negatively. In rebuttal to Oppenheimer's statement, the destruction of people's homes and enforcement of the law are always significant matters.

From the vantage point of the middle ground, which is solid, firm, sensible, and moderate, settlements are not definitively illegal, and illegal outposts, constructed without the approval of the Israeli government, should be dismantled.