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.”
