Haaretz features a poll today saying that fully 57% of Israelis are in favor of the Olmert government negotiating with Syria:
More than half of Israelis would like to see Israel engage in negotiations with Syria…according to the results of a Market Watch poll released Wednesday.
Fifty-seven percent of 499 respondents said they supported negotiations…
But Ehud nevertheless says “Nyet.” He says not only Nyet to talking to Syria, he also says Nyet to talking to the Palestinians (though he claims otherwise). To me, this is a perfect example of followers leading and leaders following. That isn’t the way it should be. Leaders should lead and not lag. This phenomenon holds true regarding other critical war and peace issues. A majority of Israelis support Israeli talks with Hamas if this will guarantee peace. Olmert not only says No to this, he says Hell No.
It should be added that in all fairness, a majority (54%) of Israelis are not in favor of returning the Golan in the same poll. But I would expect this result BEFORE negotiations began. I would not, however, expect the same result after negotiations started and especially if they seemed fruitful.
