The current Israeli government is illogically stitiched together of eight parties from an Arab party on one end of the spectrum to three right-wing parties on the other.
Israeli leaders have been using the metaphor of the horizon when speaking about the Palestinians, and they know why. After all, the horizon is only an optical illusion, and not a real location. What is nice about it is that the closer you get to it, the farther it moves from you. So the Palestinians are invited to imagine the "diplomatic horizon" which will never be reached. Bennett proudly announces that he will not be negotiating with the PA, and Lapid has responded by promising that, if and when he becomes Prime Minister, he will not be negotiating with the PA either. So this is the horizon.
In likelihood, a certain degree of goodwill and trust will need to be built up on both sides before truly difficult negotiations are even possible. These visits, meetings, and potential collaborations on areas of mutual benefit (e.g. improving the economy under the PA) could be the first steps in building the relationships and record of reliability necessary for the sides to grapple productively with even more momentous issues down the road.
Amidst all the doom and gloom, it is helpful to point out a slight ray of positivity!
Israeli leaders have been using the metaphor of the horizon when speaking about the Palestinians, and they know why. After all, the horizon is only an optical illusion, and not a real location. What is nice about it is that the closer you get to it, the farther it moves from you. So the Palestinians are invited to imagine the "diplomatic horizon" which will never be reached. Bennett proudly announces that he will not be negotiating with the PA, and Lapid has responded by promising that, if and when he becomes Prime Minister, he will not be negotiating with the PA either. So this is the horizon.
Like you, I remain dubious. But it's good to see occasional cracks in the wall.
Helpful and encouraging, Alan. Thank you!
In likelihood, a certain degree of goodwill and trust will need to be built up on both sides before truly difficult negotiations are even possible. These visits, meetings, and potential collaborations on areas of mutual benefit (e.g. improving the economy under the PA) could be the first steps in building the relationships and record of reliability necessary for the sides to grapple productively with even more momentous issues down the road.