- For centuries Jews have faced Jerusalem in prayer, and regarded themselves as successors to the Children of Israel. Israelis now claim Jerusalem as their inalienable capital, and are reluctant to lose control of Muslim East Jerusalem.
- Apart from Jerusalem, the traditional Old Testament holy places - Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus (the Biblical Schechem) - are in the West Bank. Jews will be reluctant to lose control of these cities.
- In the area of historic Palestine, Jews are already almost outnumbered. If Palestinian refugees are allowed to return, the Jewish character of Israel will be lost.
- Settler interests are strongly represented in the ruling Israeli coalition and in the cabinet. They, and the influential pro-Israeli lobby (AIPAC) in the United States, will resist any concessions.
- Many Israelis feel insecure, and fear that any concessions will make them even more vulnerable. They are also anxious about the Iranian nuclear threat. These concerns drive the Israeli negotiating position.
- Many Israelis feel misunderstood.