“Netanyahu has been examining the idea of a Palestinian state in provisional borders for several months now. His advisors are divided: Zvi Hauser is in favor, Ron Dermer is opposed. It’s hard to find a formula will be generous enough to satisfy the international community without causing the break-up of Likud.

Kadima MK Shaul Mofaz’s plan for a gradual agreement seems like a reasonable formula, one tailor-made for Israel’s political center. But the right would have trouble swallowing it, because it promises the Palestinians that they will ultimately receive a state equivalent in size to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu is still debating, but meanwhile, he’s breaking toward the center via the tried-and-true method he learned from former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon: a confrontation with the settlers over the evacuation of illegal outposts.”

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