Israelis express skepticism on Syria peace talks

According to the poll, only 19 percent of Israelis are willing to cede the entire Golan Heights, down from 32 percent a month ago.

"Israelis want peace and security, but they have seen that haphazard efforts in the past have yielded dangerous results," said Dore Gold, the head of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and a former Israeli ambassador to the U.N.

Gold mentioned Israel's withdrawals from southern Lebanon in 2000 and from the Gaza Strip in 2005, saying both had eventually resulted in more violence.

"The burden of proof will be on the Israeli government to convince the Israeli public that this time withdrawal will not lead to more conflict but will lead to stability and peace," he said.

A Thursday report in the government-run Syria Times said Syria has "good intentions" and a "strong desire" for peace but is skeptical about Israel's seriousness. It said Damascus would not "under any circumstances" bargain on the Golan Heights' full return.

Past failures
Israel and Syria are bitter enemies whose attempts at reaching peace have failed in the past. The last round of talks collapsed in 2000 because of a disagreement over a narrow strip of land along the Sea of Galilee that Israel wanted to keep in order to preserve its water rights.

The nations have fought three wars, their forces have clashed in Lebanon, and more recently, Syria has given support to Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon and Palestinian militant groups.

The sides' demands in any peace deal are well-known. Syria wants a full Israeli withdrawal from the Golan, and Israel wants Syria to end its support for militants, curb its ties with Iran, and establish full diplomatic relations.

But that isn't likely to happen on Olmert's watch, most Israeli commentators seem to agree. "It does not matter what Olmert does in the months he has left in office," wrote Yossi Verter in Israeli newspaper Haaretz. "Everything will be considered spin. That is his fate."

More from msnbc.com World Blog: Egyptians weigh in on U.S. election Briefing Book: The candidates and gun control  Experts: Half of mammals in decline NBC: Supreme Court to tackle cigarette, drug issues Vote on the strangest story of the week

MORE FROM MIDEAST & N. AFRICA

Mideast & N. Africa Section Front

Dubai aims to top its own world's tallest tower Olmert: Don't arm Israel's enemies AP: U.S. won't put diplomats in Iran Jewish 'modesty patrols' sow fear in Israel Syria ordered to pay hostages' families Protests after deadly Algeria floods Patience, persistence pay off with visit to Syria Mideast & N. Africa Section Front   Add Mideast & N. Africa headlines to your news reader: