Israel Policy Forum

Israel's former deputy prime minister Dan Meridor said Monday that if the Palestinians or the Arab League are ready to negotiate a peace agreement Israel should "go for it!"

"But there were compelling reasons to sign on, and while I have long been concerned with issues of territories and peace, it seems to me that they have taken on special urgency in recent months.  And I say this because Israelis whom I respect and who deserve our attention have been saying so."

"Netanyahu, who in the past has demonstrated that he is attuned to the thinking of the Jewish-American community, is also under renewed pressure from across the Atlantic to take advantage of Kerry’s interest in addressing the conflict by making his own – perhaps even dramatic – gesture for peace."

"The letter does not contain any criticism of Israeli policies. It lauds Obama’s recent visit to Israel and commends Netanyahu’s 'leadership' in resolving the Marmara dispute with Turkey. It states that by taking the recommended steps, Netanyahu would be challenging the Palestinian leaders to 'take similarly constructive steps, including, most importantly, a return to the negotiating table.'"