In the last few days the Israeli Press has been obsessed with some combination of several topics: 1) discussing the US Secretary of State Kerry’s statement on what might happen if the peace process breaks down; 2) Abbas’ statement to Thomas Friedman that he would allow NATO troops, led by the United States, to remain in the West Bank forever, 3) Netanyahu’s response to both statements, and finally, 4) Tonight’s statement by the Iranian Foreign Minister that if Israel was to reach peace with the Palestinians there is no reason that Iran and Israel should not have diplomatic relations.
So let’s try to look at the above items, starting with the last one, first. The Iranian announcement is interesting on two levels. First, as an act of propaganda its extremely effective. Once again the Iranians come across as being reasonable. It’s very hard for Israel to justify any sort of attack against a country that – at this point – basically says, we have no problem with you ... just reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians. Does this mean that the Iranians have fundamentally changed their minds? Probably not. However, it’s important to remember we really do not have any disputes with the Iranians, and we were the “little Satan”, next to “the big Satan” the U.S. The Iranians now seem more than willing to talk to “the big Satan”, so where does that leave us? ... Interesting to contemplate.
As to the Friedman piece – Friedman thought it important enough to published two OpEd pieces under his byline two day in a row (something I have not seen in a long time.) The willingness of Abbas to agree to the permanent stationing of NATO troops, under United States supervision is a big deal. True, we do not have the best history with foreign troops, but that has generally been with UN troops, who themselves originated from places like Nepal and the Philippines, for example. These are not exactly frontline fighting forces with governments that are friendly toward us. This is a totally different scenario. This is an offer clearly worth exploring. I am very skeptical that the Palestinians are willing to make the key concession to bring about peace – i.e. ending the question of the refugees. Furthermore, I am not sure Netanyahu is able to concede anything when it comes to the settlements. However, maybe, just maybe, there is a small chance.
As to the US Secretary of State – I think Kerry was just telling the truth, stating a fact. Read Hirsch Goodman’s article in the New York Times. The boycott on Israel is slowly gaining ground. Fair, or not, it is a fact. We might not be the worst occupier on the planet, or the worst denier of human rights in the world– for that matter. And we are certainly are not like South Africa. That being said, we currently maintain the longest occupation in modern times. (Yes, the occupation in Tibet has been longer. However, at this point, the Chinese legally claim Tibet as part of China). Furthermore, once the Palestinians disavowed violence as their primary weapon, they are have been gaining world support – slowly, but steadily. So, whether we like it or not, Kerry is right. If the peace talks fail, we are liable to face a worsening boycott. He clearly was not being antisemitic, or even anti-Israel. Kerry was just stating a fact we do not want to hear.
