Fence Gives Israel Chance for Peace

David Makovsky argues that the west bank security fence has allowed Israel the chance to persue peaceful negotiations with the Palestinians:

...the fence also has had another function, namely to provide Israel's leadership with political breathing space to pursue diplomatic options. A rational debate cannot emerge over the din of bombs. Barghoutti was wrong. When the Israelis were getting blown up, Israeli attitudes hardened. The bottom line is that the security dividend of the fence is creating political space in Israel.

And what about the controversial route of the fence? Makovsky argues that:

Critics, assuming the worst regarding the route of the fence, thought it would end the prospects of a two-state solution. In fact, it is close to tracking the route that President Bill Clinton considered as the contours of the two-state solution. The hope is that Israel will use the fence not just to save lives, but to do what it has begun and open up new doors. Sharon has indicated he favors coordination with Egypt and the Palestinian Authority in ensuring that a Gaza handover can move smoothly.