Games Israel Plays

[Violet_Crumble]

Israel’s latest move is a clear attempt at appeasing the United States. Announcing a temporary restriction of 10 months on ‘new’ settlements in the West Bank, the Israeli government now want Palestinians to play ball since their pre-condition for resumption of dialogue has finally been met.

A clear eyewash, since existing settlement construction will not be affected by this move. It also does not include Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hopes that this decision, what he calls “a far-reaching and painful step,” would give impetus to the peace process.

The Palestinian Authority has reacted negatively to Israel’s offer, they term as a clear attempt at deception. The perception among the Palestinians is that Israel’s intended appeasement aimed at President Mahmoud Abbas who had given in his resignation was actually done to please Washington. Abbas’s decision in protest of Israeli unwillingness to restart peace talks had triggered alarm bells in both Washington and Tel Aviv. Clearly Tel Aviv may have been pressured by the Obama administration to concede ground for Abbas to review his decision and to push start the peace talks.

While Israel would prefer to talk to Abbas instead of Salam Fayyad or other key Fatah leaders imprisoned by Israel, its decision may also have been prompted by another consideration. That, of giving White House a much needed face-saver. Especially, after President Obama suffered a major loss in credibility over a retreat in position on the settlements. Not only has it eroded goodwill but has dealt a blow to US image among Palestinians and the Arab states.

The delay in restarting Israel-Palestine peace talks is due to Israel’s refusal to freeze illegal settlement activity. Despite pressure on the PA to give in and restart dialogue with Israel, the Palestinians have stood ground and refused to give in. It is probably why Israel decided to offer a ‘temporary’ concession to break the stalemate. By doing so it has also tried to give the impression that it has gone an extra mile and is serious about achieving peace.

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