Israel's diplomatic future in Kahlon's hands
When considering whether to join a Netanyahu-led coalition, Kulanu head Moshe Kahlon must bear in mind his party's political platform, which calls for advancing an arrangement with the Palestinians.
In mid-March, I was in the office of a high-ranking European official who is well versed in Middle East affairs. I told him about creative ideas to promote a peace arrangement and security models that had been entertained that day between representatives from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Jordan, Israel, Europe and the United States.
Having listened patiently, the official, who asked not to be named, then asked me not to take umbrage at what he was about to say. He started a monologue the essence of which follows: “The armchair you’re sitting in has seen in recent years countless experts, peace activists and Israel’s well-wishers. They each had good intentions and fascinating plans — music to one’s ear. But, my dear friend, I’m sorry to tell you that you — how shall I put it — are a tad out of touch with reality. I have news for you: The Islamic State [IS] isn’t just in Gaza. It has started infiltrating [the West Bank city of] Jenin, too.”
He added, “The Palestinian Authority [PA] is running on fumes after Israel decided to freeze its tax moneys. [The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] has informed us that its budget to assist refugees in the Gaza Strip is running out after the organization had to provide emergency aid to hordes of Palestinian refugees in Syria who have lost their property and livelihood during the civil war. There’s a cap on the amount of money that the European taxpayers are willing to put into the occupied territories, while you’re making no effort to end the occupation and put an end to the conflict.”
Before parting ways, the official wanted to hear my forecast for the March 17 elections. I said the famous Bar-Ilan speech on a two-state solution would serve as an auspicious platform for a national unity government, sending what is known as the “peace process” into slumber.
