n THE State of Israel is being constantly badgered by the world to allow a Palestinian State. Plenty of correspondents to this esteemed paper are of that opinion.

However, there is no credible need for a Palestinian State. There are too many hostile unstable and undemocratic Arab states surrounding Israel. Why create another? Israel is a stable democratic country.

Its parliament contains Arab parties who oppose the countries every existence. That is what I call tolerance.

If the Palestinians ceased their terrorist campaign, the Israeli government could not use terrorism as a justification for oppressing Palestinians (I am doubtful that they do this anyway). The political pressure on Israel to respect Palestinian rights would be direct.

A Palestinian state is certainly not essential to peace in the Middle East and the creation of one will not bring peace.

MATTHEW A CLARKE, Hallow.