YETIV COMMENTARY RUNS IN L.A. TIMES

Steve Yetiv, associate professor of political science, wrote a commentary piece, "The Masada Factor: Israelis Feel They Stand Alone," for the Los Angeles Times' Sunday edition, April 7.

The piece postulates that terrorism has led Israelis to feel more besieged today than they have since the 1967 Six-Day War, and that a display of public cooperation is needed between the Arabs, Israelis and Americans.

"Despite Israel's overwhelming military advantage, a sense exists that no Israeli leader can ensure security against a fanatical enemy," Yetiv writes. "The gap between how Israelis see themselves and how many Arabs see them is gigantic. While Arabs largely see Israel as an avaricious behemoth, Israelis are seeking a touchy-feely peace based on normalization. ...

"To change Israel's position, more moderate Arabs, Europeans and even Americans need to treat Israel with the Masada factor in mind. A besieged state will never relinquish land for a piece of paper."

The entire piece can be viewed at http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/suncommentary/la-000024732apr07.story?coll=la%2Dheadlines%2Dsuncomment.