Israelis,

I have read with interest the on-going debate in your paper regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue, particularly the quotes by Ferial Masry, a history teacher and an assembly candidate, as well as a response to them by Larry Brown of Agoura Hills.

I think the issue of whether or not the Palestinians should have a separate state is highly hypothetical, since in reality the Israelis and Palestinians do live in the same state. The unquestionable fact is that both Palestinians and Israelis live in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and the pre-’67 borders.

The entire territory with the exception of some pockets of autonomy is completely under Israeli control. Both Palestinians and Israelis share the same economy, monetary system, roads, and electric and water (systems), as well as water and air space.

The West Bank Palestinians depend on Israel for access to the Mediterranean and to the Western world. The West Bank and Gaza are completely detached from each other and geographically located on opposite sides of Israel.

As it stands, virtually the entire economic survival of the Palestinian people is dependent upon Israel. Goods, services, utilities, and transportation are shared by both peoples, as if they were one nation. The Palestinians and Israelis are interwoven within a tiny territory. The peculiar geography, history, religion and demography of this corner of the Middle East make future separation problematic to say the least.

The reality is the present. In the present, both Israelis and Palestinians live together as one nation.

In my opinion, the Palestinians and the Israelis have to maintain their own identities and maintain their governments and institutions. In addition, they should create a federal government, comprised of both Palestinians and Israelis dedicated to peace only.

Josef Avesar

Encino