The construction freeze in the settlements is yet another oxygen tank en route to reviving the “diplomatic horizon,” without which we shall see the Palestinian Authority increasingly disintegrating. … Even the tough “ideologists” within the cabinet realized Wednesday that there is no other choice, and that every effort must be made in order to preserve regional stability, even for a limited time. The Palestinian Authority must not collapse. …
Defense Minister Ehud Barak was the one who came up with the idea of a partial settlement freeze for a limited time, in the framework of the preparations for his and the prime minister’s trip to the United States a few weeks ago. The Americans were not excited by the idea, because this is not a full freeze, yet they were convinced after realizing this is the most an Israeli PM can do at this time. However, President Obama made it clear to the Israelis in Washington that he is willing to try this move in order to promote the revival of talks, but expects much more later on.
Now, we are waiting for Abbas. He will come, if at all, only if Israel shows a serious attitude in implementing the freeze decision and doesn’t make a mockery out of it. … During security establishment discussions, officials prepared for the possibility that the settlers will try to “test” the government’s seriousness, and that some violent groups may try to sabotage enforcement activities. So now the government is facing a test: Do we have law and order? And what is the national interest, the settlers or the government? Access the full article>>
