JERUSALEM, Apr 29, 2011 (AFP) - Nearly half of the Israeli public believes the government should recognise a Palestinian state as long as Israel can keep the major settlement blocs, a survey published on Friday showed.
According to a poll published in the top-selling Yediot Aharonot newspaper, 48 percent of respondents were in favour of Israel backing a Palestinian state -- on condition they could keep the five main settlement blocs in the West Bank.
But another 41 percent expressed the exact opposite view -- that in light of a Palestinian plan to seek UN recognition for their state this autumn, Israel should "vehemently oppose" the move, even if it meant a head-on confrontation with the United Nations.
More than half the respondents -- 53 percent -- said they believed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should present a diplomatic initiative to end the conflict, including "significant concessions" when he addresses the US Congress next month.
But another 42 percent opposed the idea of a plan including significant concessions, the figures showed.
The poll was conducted earlier this week before the surprise announcement of a reconciliation deal between the rival Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah, which has caused consternation in Israel where it is viewed as a development likely to harm peace.
Direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians collapsed late last year over a dispute about ongoing Jewish settlement activity.
Following the end of the talks, Abbas has been pursuing a diplomatic strategy aimed at securing UN recognition for a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with east Jerusalem as its capital, in a move likely to take place in September.
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Copyright AFP 2011.
