There's Danger In Numbers

At least that is what they wanted you to think. IMRA noted in March 2005:

Looking back over the last ten years it can be noted that the "demographic issue" took prominence when the miserable failure of Oslo along with the growing effectiveness of Israeli security forces against the "intifada" stripped withdrawal advocates of the security justification for withdrawal

Back in 2002, Palestinian women on average were bearing 5.6 children, down from an estimated eight in 1970 and seven in 1985--and now the rate is even lower:

According to data from 2006, the average Israeli woman will have 2.9 children in her lifetime, compared to 2.8 based on 2005 figures. The average fertility rate among Jewish women rose from 2.7 in 2005 to 2.8 in 2006. Muslim women's fertility has declined to four children, compared to 4.7 in 2000. The lifetime fertility rate for Christian Arab women was 2.2 children in 2006, compared to 2.7 in 1996. [emphasis added]

If policy decisions are still being based on demographic considerations, then they are being based on a myth--and the decisions being made are irrevocable.

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