To Achieve Peace Netanyahu Must Stop Expansion
Editorial, Haaretz | April 26, 2010
Indirect talks between Israel and Palestine may take place in early May. ++ A freeze on new settlements must occur though it presents a challenge for Netanyahu. ++ Moreover, the prime minister must appear willing to find a solution to the ongoing conflict. ++ "If Netanyahu genuinely has this interest at heart then he must exercise his authority over his ministers and his coalition partners to ensure that the peace process is renewed and that the talks are held in a positive, comfortable atmosphere."
Sun, May 9th 2010, 09:47
Eva Maria Krockow, GIZ, Ghana, Platinum Contributor (209)
In the long term, however, the question on peace may only have a chance of being resolved if other factors are being taken into account. For once, the talks will need to be more representative, for example including members of the Hamas. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is so profound that patronising agreements by moderate elites of the two sides will hardly be able to bring about change, and may even cause outrage and protest within more extremist parts of their respective populations. Debates considering the opinions held by ultra-orthodox Jews as well as radical Palestinians need to be implemented, possibly with a more ‘neutral’ partner for mediation determined by the UN. The US who have repeatedly blocked any action against Israel by using their veto-power in the Security Council, symbolise international support for the Israeli side and may create feelings of frustration and anger even before taking up the talks. The situation in Israel is such a protracted conflict that very careful and sensitive diplomacy is needed in order to achieve only small relief from the hatred-inspired violence. Any debates will need to be representative of even radical opinions, which are still persistent amongst both peoples as the conflict is not a merely political one restricted to governments but a conflict between nations.