“When I look back, one of my conclusions is that we need to hold bilateral talks between us and them. And also between the prime minister and [Palestinian President] Mahmoud Abbas.” In this offhand statement uttered by Justice Minister Tzipi Livni on the Meet the Press Saturday night (April 5), the Israeli chief negotiator with the Palestinians revealed the truth about what transpired the last eight months in the meeting rooms — or more correctly, about what did not take place.
Livni, who gave only a few interviews in recent months, made an exception on the background of last week’s blowup in the negotiations. The talks were cut off after Israel delayed the fourth stage of the release of security prisoners, and in response the Palestinians made an official bid to the UN to become a signatory to 15 international conventions. Both steps were taken contrary to previous commitments of the sides. This moment should have been one of soul-searching for Livni. Many of her supporters in the Israeli public, who gave six mandates to her party in the last elections only to promote the diplomatic process, were unhappy with her being part of the Netanyahu government next to far-right elements. That was the moment when she should have taken responsibility and given them clear answers regarding her past decisions and future intentions.