He rejected ever recognizing Israel as a Jewish homeland. He praised his pact with Hamas. He blamed Israel for all. He mentioned Muslim and Christian links to the Holy Land, but not Jewish.

There was all of one soundbyte from an Israeli official – about Abbas’ “63 years of occupation”. Bell editorialized on behalf of the Palestinians by pooh poohing this, saying Abbas said he is not out to deligitimize Israel. But that is precisely what his unilateral policy has set out to do. Bell laughably asserted that Abbas says Netanyhau is the most “inflexible” of the five Israeli PM’s with whom he has negotiated.

Come on, Mr. Bell. It is Abbas who has never shown flexibility on any issue – refugees, borders, Jerusalem. It is he who rejected, without counteroffer, a very generous offer from then Israeli PM Olmert in 2008. He has publicly boasted that he has stuck to every one of Arafat’s positions.

It is Netanyhau who froze housing for 10 months – and got nothing in return. It is Netanyahu who has offered negotiations, including recognition of a Palestinian state. It is Abbas who has rejected that.

Why didn’t Bell note that Abbas has rejected the Quartet’s proposal for negotiations?

Why didn’t he note that the unilateral action violates Oslo? Or Abbas’ stance on refugees?

He rejected ever recognizing Israel as a Jewish homeland. He praised his pact with Hamas. He blamed Israel for all. He mentioned Muslim and Christian links to the Holy Land, but not Jewish.

There was all of one soundbyte from an Israeli official – about Abbas’ “63 years of occupation”. Bell editorialized on behalf of the Palestinians by pooh poohing this, saying Abbas said he is not out to deligitimize Israel. But that is precisely what his unilateral policy has set out to do. Bell laughably asserted that Abbas says Netanyhau is the most “inflexible” of the five Israeli PM’s with whom he has negotiated.

Come on, Mr. Bell. It is Abbas who has never shown flexibility on any issue – refugees, borders, Jerusalem. It is he who rejected, without counteroffer, a very generous offer from then Israeli PM Olmert in 2008. He has publicly boasted that he has stuck to every one of Arafat’s positions.

It is Netanyhau who froze housing for 10 months – and got nothing in return. It is Netanyahu who has offered negotiations, including recognition of a Palestinian state. It is Abbas who has rejected that.

Why didn’t Bell note that Abbas has rejected the Quartet’s proposal for negotiations?

Why didn’t he note that the unilateral action violates Oslo? Or Abbas’ stance on refugees?