THE NEW YORK TIMES: NETANYAHU PROMISES PEACE EFFORT

According to Isabel Kershner and Alan Cowell of The New York Times, The Prime-Minister-designate of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, promised that the coalition he is forming in Israel will be a partner to peace efforts with the Palestinians.

Labor’s agreement to join Mr. Netanyahu’s government paved the way for a broader government than the narrow and hawkish one that Mr. Netanyahu would otherwise have had to settle for, increasing his chances of gaining international acceptance and possibly avoiding friction with the Obama administration.

The designate Prime Minister also professed that all Israelis have a common goal for peace between themselves and their Palestinian neighbors.  There are elements of the Israeli political establishment who have misgivings abou the new coalition being formed in Israel.

Question to the Blogosphere:  How well do you think Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government will be able to negotiate peace agreements with their Palestinian counterparts?  What problems could Hamas pose to this coalition government as they search for peace?  Why do you think a two-state solution was not on the list of options for peace during the coalition negotiations in Israel?  Do you think this government has characteristics that will make it more successful at obtaining peace than its predecessor?  How much do these goals depend on the other side being willing and able to negotiate themselves?