Q: Should Israel give up the West Bank?
A: No, I don't think so. I have been to Israel 9 times. I have been all throughout the Middle East. Anyone who goes to Israel, and just understands the unique geography and the unique tension that surrounds that area, it would be very problematic for Israel to give up the West Bank, from their own standpoint of security. The same thing with the Golan Heights--giving up the Golan Heights makes most of Galilee a sitting target. Now it's their government. They'll make that decision, not me.
But I certainly could not encourage them to give up the West Bank.Q: If they're not going to give up the West Bank or the Golan Heights, what are they going to negotiate about?
A: There are a lot of options that involve other territory that doesn't have to include the West Bank or the Golan Heights. But let's be honest,
there is not going to be some instant kumbaya moment. The best we can hope for is that there will be some level of loosening of the hostilities. Source: CNN Late Edition: 2007 presidential series with Wolf Blitzer Nov 25, 2007
Not yet ready for two-state solution for Israel & Palestine Q: Do you support a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine side by side, as Pres. Bush says he supports?
A:
Well, I would want to see where that side-by-side exists, because if you do something that puts the Israelis in a position of ultimate vulnerability, that may not be a healthy solution. You've got to realize that there are people in that region who have stated that their primary purpose is to annihilate Israel, to do away with them. And if you surround them by hostility and give them very little room in which to maneuver, you may not have created anything other than a very, very temporary peace, but for a long-term disaster.
Q: So I guess you're not ready to endorse a two-state solution yet?
A:
Not until you see where those two states are going to be located and whether or not there is going to be some guarantee of security and concessions on the part of the nations that would surround Israel. And the Israelis would have to be comfortable with it. Don't pressure Israel to give up land for promise of peace
Q:
Past presidents have expected Israel to give up land, not for peace but for the promise of peace. With this mindset, Pres. Bush introduced the "roadmap" in 2003, yet 60 terrorist acts are attempted & 300 rockets fall every month in Israel. Will you stand behind Israel to not give up land for unfulfilled promises of peace, even in the face of opposition of European & Arab countries?
HUCKABEE: Yes.Huckabee is best you can get guys. BTW even Paul the "Nazi" is better than Bush.