I think ignorance of Israel’s history, of its prelude, and of the wars it has fought, is one of the greatest barriers to understanding and sympathy for Israel on the part of the general public (although the Guardianistas seem to be wilfully ignorant).
Keep up the good work, Jonathan!

“The question is What have you done for me lately?”

Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, only to be rewarded by increased rocket fire from Hamas.

“In that context Israel has been the aggressor …by insisting that only parties and factions that recognise Israel and embrace non-violent methods be allowed to participate in discussions.”

Too right. Would you negotiate with people who want you dead? What would be your opening offer?

“Palestinians see themselves as defending their lands against Israeli occupation.”

Not true. Hamas continued to attack from Gaza after the “occupation” ended in 2005.

“The Palestinians behave no differently from any other insurrection seeking to expel an occupation.”

Rubbish. *Very* few other ‘insurrections’ have blown up buses full of schoolchildren, for example. And very few have repeatedly refused opportunities for resolution.

“The term “terrorists” is not useful, except to propagandists.”

Yawn. So what would you call people who blow up school-buses? “Sir”?

“Personally, I would shake the hand of any Hamas or Hezbollah member before I would shake the hand of either Bibi Netanyahu or Avigdor Lieberman.”

Says it all really. Good luck to you, by the way. Hamas would probably cut your hand off as soon as shake it. They don’t want to be your friend, however much you willfully romanticise them.

Jonathan; great speech- am passing it on to those who are badly in need of it who feel paralysed to articulate a case when faced with untruths.

And good for Douglas Murray too.