After all the time that has elapsed since the last round of direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, the Palestinian side does not have any excuse not to be fully prepared for this latest go-round. Taking into consideration the track records of the Israelis and the Americans in previous attempts at the peace process, the Palestinians need to exercise great prudence and proceed carefully, but there is no other option than to go into these talks with the goal of achieving a comprehensive peace deal.

The situation on the ground has changed since the last talks, both in terms of the construction of settlements as well as the continuing explosion of the Palestinian population relative to the growth of the Israelis’ numbers. The situation in the United States has changed, with the Obama administration so far appearing serious in its lengthy efforts to return to direct negotiations. However, the untenable situation of the Palestinian people has not changed; if anything, their lot has gotten worse in recent years, evidenced by the Israelis’ asphyxiation of Gaza and their suffocating of economic life in the occupied West Bank.
Despite their suffering the Palestinians need to act with all the statesmanship they can muster. It helps their position that the Arab League has given its full backing to the return to the talks. Paradoxically, it also could benefit them that many in Palestine have rejected direct negotiations; Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas should use this stiff opposition to exact more concessions from the Israelis, in order to assuage the many antagonistic Palestinian groups.
Of course, the sight of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leading the Israeli Cabinet does not create high expectations for the bargaining. Netanyahu said on Sunday that he was “seeking to surprise the critics and the skeptics” by succeeding in the direct talks; we heartily encourage the Palestinian negotiators to call his bluff and see what this hawk – and the loyal son of an even greater hawk – is willing to do to surprise the naysayers.
In the end, the chances for the success of these negotiations might rest most in the hands of the mediator. U.S. President Barack Obama and his envoys have pledged that the United States will act as an honest, unbiased broker. After decades as Israel’s greatest benefactor and friend, that would be a new and welcome approach.
The U.S. has a great responsibility in these talks, because it has the ability to take steps which could ease the sacrifices that both sides will have to make. If the parties realize what a peace deal could do, they must expend all efforts to see these negotiations through to a successful end.
Jamil K. Mroue, Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Star, can be reached at jamil.mroue@dailystar.com.lb.
(Source: The Daily Star)