Mideast Peace Pulse

Israel Policy Forum Announces its Next Chapter with Middle East Progress

Dear Friends and Supporters of Israel Policy Forum:

On behalf of Israel Policy Forum (IPF), including our President Peter Joseph and Chair Larry Zicklin, I am pleased to inform you that IPF is embarking on its next chapter. 

2010 Must Be Showtime for Mideast Peace

As 2009 draws to a close, we are bombarded by the annual litany of commentary features recapping the year in Hollywood movies to the year in international conflict, and everything in between.

When it comes to the Middle East peace process, current conventional wisdom suggests the 2009 recap might go something like this: 

US-Iran Negotiations: Simulation Exercise at INSS

Ephraim Asculai, Emily B. Landau, and Tamar Malz-Ginzburg

INSS Insight No. 154, December 29, 2009

Despite the tendency to denote any simulation exercise on security issues a "war game," the recent simulation designed and held at INSS did not focus on the option of a military attack. Rather, it developed the scenario of a bilateral US-Iranian negotiation over Iran's nuclear program.

Israel and the Europeans: On a Course to Conflict Over Jerusalem

By Orly Noy, Ir Amim's Spokesperson

A month after Prime Minister Netanyahu announced a limited "freeze" on construction in Israeli-controlled Palestinian territory, it appears that his action will not end international pressure on Israel. True, the United States welcomed the announcement and attempted to solicit positive responses from other members of the Quartet. But outside the United States, Netanyahu's belated response--described by many commentators within Israel as half-hearted--has not had the same effect. Indeed, Israel appears to be on a collision course with several European states and the newly-enhanced European Union.

Who are the settlers and what do they want?

On Wednesday, December 16th Professor Steven L. Spiegel moderated a discussion with Dr. Shlomo Fischer, the founding director of Yesodot- The Center for Torah and Democracy and a professor at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The following is a summary of his remarks. A full recording of the conversation can be found here. 

How did we get into the crisis with the settlements that we find today?

Iran, China, and the Israeli Stick

INSS Insight No. 150, December 22, 2009

When President Obama met with the president of China in Beijing last month, he cautioned that he would not be able to block an Israeli attack against Iran much longer unless there is progress in the attempts to stop Iran’s nuclear program. This warning was intended to persuade China of the urgent need for additional sanctions against Iran. Yet even if the potential success of this warning is questionable, it raises questions about Chinese interests in Iran and the Middle East as a whole, about Israel's place vis-à-vis these interests, and about Jerusalem’s possible influence over Beijing.

A Palestinian View: A crucial but problematic triangle

For good but different reasons, their respective relations with the United States are of central and utmost importance to both Palestinians and Israelis.

As the US is the world's leading power, it is the most influential potential mediator between them. Israel is completely dependent for its overwhelming superiority on the near unquestioned military, economic and diplomatic support it receives from the US. The Palestinian Authority, meanwhile, is dependent on international support and international diplomacy, both shaped by the US.

An Israeli View: Criminal neglect

There can be little doubt that Israeli PM Binyamin Netanyahu won the first round of Israeli-Palestinian engagement with the Obama administration--and that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas lost. Netanyahu executed a partial and problematic settlement construction freeze "balanced" by settlement provocations in Jerusalem and elsewhere. He was rewarded with US support for his readiness to open negotiations while his right-wing coalition stood behind him. Abbas misread American promises and assurances regarding the freeze and the Goldstone report.

A Larger Context for the Prisoner Exchange

The current debate among Israelis about a prisoner exchange with Hamas has been consumed by a narrow discussion of short-term gains and losses for both sides, evading the bigger picture of a future reconciliation between the two parties. It is time for both Israel and Hamas to recognize that there is no escape from one another. The deal that would presumably trade Gilad Shalit, Israel's soldier who was captured in 2006 by Hamas, for approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners should be utilized as a precursor for future negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

Abbas’ Proposal for an Undeclared Settlement Freeze: Transparent Ploy or Plea for Help?

INSS Insight No. 151, December 20, 2009

In an interview with Haaretz on December 15, Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas repeated his longstanding position that Israeli-Palestinian negotiations can only resume after Israel implements a complete freeze on settlement construction throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. But in a new wrinkle that might have been intended as a sign of flexibility, he added that negotiations could begin immediately, even if the freeze is not publicly declared.

Syria seeks US mediation in peace negotiations

After meeting with Syrian officials in Damascus, a European official relayed a message that Syria is ready to renew negotiations through a secret channel, leading to public negotiations with the United States as a mediator. According to the official, Syria wants to renew talks under the precondition that Israel will return the Golan Heights and retreat to the 1967 borders, and in return Syria will fully normalize relations with Israel. This falls short of former Israeli demands that Syria sever its ties to Iran.

Shimon Shiffer in Yedioth Ahronoth reports:

Following Orders, But From Who?

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s removal last week of the West Bank Yeshiva Har Bracha from the Hesder Yeshiva Movement because of the statements and actions by its dean was meant to send a clear message: insubordination within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not be tolerated. It is not clear whether Barak’s move will ultimately serve to stamp out – or fan – the recent flames of discord emanating from some religious soldiers and elements within the broader national-religious camp.

Olmert peace plan made public

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert proposed swapping land with the Palestinians for major settlement blocs in the West Bank as part of his peace plan, as detailed in a map released to Haaretz. Olmert's plan, which was presented to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in September 2008, would have involved the transfer of 327 square kilometers of land within the Green Line to the Palestinians, while annexing 6.3 per cent of the West Bank to Israel.

Dr. Shlomo Fischer: Who are the settlers & what do they want?

Earlier today, Dr. Steven L. Spiegel interviewed Dr. Shlomo Fischer on the highly contentious issue of settlements in the West Bank and the various components of the settler movement.

Listen to their discussion here.

An Israeli View: Dealing with Mr. Yes and No

Back in the days of Binyamin Netanyahu's first term as prime minister, more than ten years ago, he was satirized as Mr. Yes and No. For every "yes" he delivered to US President Bill Clinton or PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat, there was also a "no" or, if you like, a "yes" to the settlers and other opponents of the peace process. That appears to be where we are today, once again.

A Palestinian View: The ball is now with the international community

Binyamin Netanyahu's announcement in late November that his government would implement a settlement freeze was not taken seriously by Palestinians, Arabs or other interested and involved parties.

Palestinians warned that the announcement amounted to no more than a public relations gimmick aimed at reducing growing international criticism of Israel's settlement expansion policies. Palestinian officials made clear that the Israeli "freeze" did not signal any change to Israeli settlement expansion, which is responsible for preventing the resumption of negotiations.

Conference Call Wednesday: Who are the settlers & what do they want?

Since Prime Minister Netanyahu declared a 10 month freeze on settlement building in the West Bank, outrage has been voiced by the various sides of the debate.

Professor Steven L. Spiegel will be moderating a conference call on this highly relevant and divisive topic with Dr. Shlomo Fischer on Wednesday, December 16th at 11:30am ET.

The Jordanian Predicament

At the end of the War of Independence – the outcome of the Arab rejection of the Partition Plan – 600,000 Palestinians became refugees in Arab states, especially Jordan. Until 1988, the Palestinians were not included in the global agenda and negotiations on the future of the West Bank were carried out directly between Israel and Jordan. Many Israeli political leaders at the time regarded Jordan as the Palestinian homeland, and cited the growing Palestinian population there as validation of this view.

Rep. Wexler sends letter of optimism for Middle East peace to Congress

Steve Clemons at the Washington Note reports today that Rep. Robert Wexler, who will be leaving Congress soon to head the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation, sent a letter to other members of Congress noting increasing support among Israelis toward President Obama, and stressing the need for Obama to address Israelis directly with a clear proposal to move the peace process forward.

Let the Desert Bloom: Gazan Flower Exports to Europe

In an exceptional lifting of the blockade on Gaza, Israel is allowing Gazan flower farmers to export their product to Europe through the end of May when the growing season concludes. Since 2006-2007 Israel has prevented the vast majority of flower exports. Flowers are an important part of the Gazan economy.