Avigdor Lieberman, head of Yisrael Beiteinu, attacked Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, saying that the disengagement plan will turn Israel into a bi-national state. Lieberman said that an exchange of populations is the only thing that will bring peace to the region and allow Jews to live in peace in their country and Palestinians to live in peace in theirs. Lieberman made these statements during a speech he gave at the Herzliya conference on Thursday.

Addressing suggestions often made to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Lieberman said, “There is no global solution to the problem of minorities. In Northern Ireland they have found no solution, nor has Spain found a solution with the Basques. I recommend that we not try to imitate others. Europe has no right to give us advice based on double standards. Tell us the truth: they are hypocrites who do not like us. We should propose to them the idea that anti-Israeli sentiment in Europe is a direct continuation of anti-Semitism. This is not anti-Zionism or anti-Israeli sentiment, but classic anti-Semitism dressed up differently.”

Lieberman laid out his political plan as follows: “Perhaps my plan is different from all others. Everyone proposes establishing a nation state for the Palestinians free of Jews. They are turning Israel into a bi-national state in fear of the demographic factor. Here the left should be more honest and speak the truth: I don't want Israel to be a state for all its citizens. I want a Jewish, Zionist state for both Arabs and Jews. I am not talking about transfer. That is something we do to Jews only, like what is happening in Gush Katif.”

Lieberman refuted claims from the left that the occupation is the reason for the conflict with the Palestinians: “What is the cause of the conflict? The left thinks it is the territories. There are others who believe it is the settlements. Was there no conflict before Gush Emunim? Before 1974? Before 1967? Before 1948? The reason for the conflict then is not the territories or the settlements, but the friction between the two peoples. If we do not end this friction, there will be no peace here. We can return to the 1967 borders, but there will never be peace here…

“I've listened to the Arab Israeli leadership. They have different opinions. There are some who speak of cultural and educational autonomy. No doubt the next step will be a demand for complete autonomy or joining the Arab entity, whatever that may be. I'm trying to reiterate my viewpoint, which holds that the peace process we have developed has succeeded in planting one principle only in the minds of citizens, that of the territories in exchange for peace. I am completely opposed to this. I'm talking about an exchange of territory and population. I want to establish a national state, a largely homogenous Jewish, Zionist state.

“I'm pleased recently, because Lieberman, the right-wing, extremist settler, is not the only one who has reached this conclusion. Some Israeli papers have published interviews with Henry Kissinger, who speaks of the same principle. I'm happy to have reached the same conclusion…

“Those who talk about transfer are not being realistic. The practical, realistic thing to do is an exchange of territory and population. There are many precedents for this, from Southeast Asia to Europe, Africa, and the former Soviet Union . This is nothing new.”

Reader responses to the article

You've won my vote, Lieberman. I agree with every word you said. The Arabs have always hated the Jews. This is the plain truth. There will be no truce until they eliminate us. Thus, we need a plan to separate ourselves from them. Kudos, Lieberman. The people are behind you! Draft all the articles of the plan and start running for elections. Only in this way will positive things happen in Israel —Let's go for the elections.

Wada Ara and the Triangle for the state of Palestine —State of the Jews forever.

Wada Ara and East Jerusalem

After we separate from Wadi Ara and East Jerusalem , we need to close the Arab schools. Anyone who wants to stay here must speak Hebrew, do national service, and not have more than three kids—Three kids.

You say what we all think and believe

All of us want to live without any Arab villages around us. Who wants drug dealers, car thieves, and supporters of Bin Laden next to his house? The hypocritical left is the one giving us advice—Tova Schiffer.