Shlomo Avineri argues that if the Palestinians were to unilaterally declare themselves a state, little would change on the ground, but it “would make the Israeli-Palestinian dispute more “normal”–that is to say, a dispute between states, [and]–would also advance the prospect for negotiations.” (Ha’aretz)
J Street head Jeremy Ben-Ami talks about why he is bringing a large delegation to Israel, relations with AIPAC, J Street’s alleged inconsistency, and Obama’s need to connect with Israelis. (Ha’aretz)
Netanyahu is reported to have told Mitchell that he is willing to discuss the core issues of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, (Jerusalem, borders and security arrangements) in the proximity talks. (Ha’aretz)
Ari Shavit cautions: “The essential task now in the Middle East is the prevention of war. That’s not the same as pursuing peace. Sometimes it’s precisely the attempt to achieve an unattainable peace that ignites a war.” (Ha’aretz)
Really, how central is resolving the Israel-Palestinian issue either to the politics of the Middle East or to the national-security interests of the United States? (Wall Street Journal)
