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Israel underestimates Palestinian leadership

Israel is shocked by the Palestinian Authority's decision to work toward national reconciliation only because it hasn't been paying attention.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas smiles during a meeting of the Palestinian leadership in the West Bank city of Ramallah July 18, 2013. As Palestinian leaders discussed a possible U.S-brokered resumption of peace talks on Thursday, the Israeli government denied a shift in its conditions that might help end a three-year stalemate. Abbas began briefing fellow PLO leaders in Ramallah on his meetings this week with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who has extended his stay in the region and appears to be

A review of statements by Israeli officials and pundits in response to the Palestinian unity agreement suggests a sense of surprise at the Palestinians' audacity. Israel’s underestimation of the Palestinian leadership is reflected in an arrogant attitude reminiscent of a colonizer-colonized relationship.

Nearly five decades of occupation and colonization have left Israelis shocked when Palestinians take action that is independent of them and their expectations.

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