Oh please Waz, will you stop with the anti-Isreali spiel? Why does it have to get snuck in on every post on different subjects?
I think most rational people will admit that Isreal is not the most free society in the world, however you seem to ignore many obvious facts put forth, including those just above.
When the state of Isreal was created, there was a great population migration throughout the middle east, much as there was when India and Pakistan were divided. Many Arabs were forced out or decided to leave Isreal and sought refuge in the lands of the neighbouring 'brothers'. There they were locked up in refugee camps for generation after generation.
Nearly all Jews were forced out or decided to leave the anti-semtic countries they lived in to seek refuge in Israel. They, like refugees in any western country like US, Canada, UK or France, were brought in and assimilated into the local population and are now productive members of society.
Fortunately for Israeli multiculturalism, not all Arabs feld. In fact, there is only one country in the middle east in which it's Arab citizens can not only vote in elections, but also get themselves elected to that country's parliament. And while not holding a large number of seats, the varied nature of the Knesset often gives them a fair bit of influence.
On 5 seperate occasions since it's founding, Israel has been attacked by many of it's neighbours with the intent of total destruction and pushing the Jews into the sea. Given the authoritarian nature of these countries and their armed forces, the superior technical and training advantage of the Isrealis was enough to repulse these invaders, of whom, only two, Jordan and Egypt, have seen fit to sign peace treaties with Israel, giving them some level of security.
Recent polls conducted in the region indicate that the majority of Israelis are willing to accept the existence of a Palestinian state. Much less than 50% of Palestinians are willing to accept the existence of the state of Israel. So just how do you suggest negotiations to ease the current situation begin? When one side is adament that you be destroyed, do you come back with an offer to let them kill only half? How in any kind of real world scenario, can giving further concessions to a population with this massive belief, be any kind of progress towards peace and security?
Related to your other items, how has the 'kinder, gentler' approach to Islamist fanaticism demonstrated by the UK or France helped them deal with the hate and violence spewed from the Brighton Mosque or the blowing up of French tankers?