Since we were on a tour with Arab ties, we spent a lot of time in Arab territory, both in the State of Israel and in the Palestinian Territory. Here and there as we drove through Palestine, we'd see a road off to the side marked with a huge flag of Israel. Each road led to a military checkpoint, and behind the checkpoint was a huge, luxurious, new condominium complex, surrounded by a very secure-looking wall. Our guide explained that these were Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory.
These settlements seemed to be intentionally provocative, to spit in the faces of the Palestinians who lived in the surrounding area. I've always thought that Israelis were peaceable, well-intentioned people - but these settlements gave a very different message. I suppose this is a controversial subject and may end up in disaster, but I wonder what people think, and I wonder what experiences other people have had of Israel. It certainly is a beautiful place.
-Joe-