Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the Herzliya diplomatic gathering on July 9 was a first, cautious trial balloon of sorts for what political sources in Israel call his “autumn restart.” By this they mean a new diplomatic initiative that Netanyahu will launch as soon as the Iranian issue is no longer on the agenda by the end of June, assuming that a nuclear agreement is reached.
Ultimately, the goal of this initiative is the renewal of diplomatic negotiations with the Palestinians. This would be achieved by adding Isaac Herzog’s Zionist Camp to Netanyahu’s coalition, rebooting relations with the United States, reducing the growing tensions between Israel and the international community — particularly with Europe — and hindering the campaign of delegitimization and boycotts being waged against Israel. All that remains to be seen is whether Netanyahu will eventually accept and implement the plan, or whether the chaotic, unforeseeable events of the Middle East will impede it.