Rahm Emanuel: Obama doesn't mean return to 1967 lines

In 'Washington Post' op-ed, Chicago mayor says 1967 borders are starting point for negotiations, not end point.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Obama AIPAC 311 (photo credit: Screenshot)
Obama AIPAC 311
(photo credit: Screenshot)
US President Barack Obama's call for a Palestinian state to be based on 1967 lines with mutually agreed land swaps does not mean a return to the these borders, according to a Washington Post op-ed by Chicago mayor and former US chief of staff Rahm Emanuel.
"[Obama] reminded us that every president and many Israeli elected leaders have recognized that the borders are one starting point for negotiations, not the end point," Emanuel wrote. "That statement does not mean a return to 1967 borders."
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Emanuel continued: "No workable solution envisions that. Land swaps offer the flexibility necessary to ensure secure and defensible borders and address the issue of settlements."
As the "son of an Israeli immigrant," Emanuel explains his "deep, abiding commitment to the survival, security and success of the state of Israel."
He stated that Israelis long for peace and have attempted to achieve it despite risks and dangers. Emanuel said Israelis will take again risks for peace "when they have a viable partner in the process and a region that recognizes a Jewish state of Israel with secure and defensible borders."
Obama, Emanuel says, understands that "the shifting sands of demography... are working against the two-state solution needed to end generations of bloodshed."
Increase in the Palestinian population, unilateral attempts for statehood, advances in weapons and recent Arab unrest puts "Israel’s survival as a Jewish, democratic state is at stake," he said.
Emanuel explained that Obama's "goal has been one shared by a succession of Israeli and American leaders: two nations, the Jewish state of Israel and Palestine for the Palestinian people, living side by side, in peace and security."