Yes, it is a fantasy, just as is the proposition that Islam is a religion of peace. And like that fantasy, it has a powerful hold over the minds of all too many, including policymakers.

"Barak says peace deal a 'fantasy,'" from the [1] BBC (thanks to Davida):

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak has been quoted by an Israeli newspaper as saying that a peace deal with the Palestinians anytime soon is "fantasy".

Mr Barak also reportedly said Israel would not remove checkpoints from the West Bank for at least several years.

He was quoted by the newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, which said the remarks had been made in private conversations.