Israel Matzav: Change?

Change?

With President Obama scheduled to meet Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday night - after agreeing to the meeting only at the last minute - the Wall Street Journal discusses what may be a change in 'Palestinian' tactics.

Many Middle East analysts voiced skepticism over what Mr. Netanyahu could announce that would lend support to the stalled peace process. But Palestinian officials have told Mrs. Clinton and other U.S. diplomats in recent weeks that they were concerned they could be drawn into negotiations with Israel that fell short of establishing an independent state. Mr. Netanyahu in the past has described granting Palestinians broad autonomy, but without total control of their defenses and foreign policy.

Some U.S. officials said they believe the administration took too confrontational an approach toward Mr. Netanyahu soon after Mr. Obama took office, insisting early on a total settlement freeze and turning Israeli public opinion strongly against the U.S.

The perception in the last week that the U.S. has eased up on the Israeli leader has rippled through the Palestinian political establishment. Senior officials have in recent days begun speaking publicly about abandoning negotiations for an independent state, and focusing instead on full citizenship rights for Palestinians in Israel. Such an approach is anathema to the vast majority of Israelis because it would mean the end to Israel's Jewish identity.

Long time lead Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said last week that Palestinians "should refocus their attention to the one-state solution, where Muslims, Jews and Christians can live as equals." Another option being discussed is pursuing Palestinian statehood unilaterally by seeking recognition from major European countries or in the United Nations.

"We are on the verge of a real shift and I think what gave it the big push was Obama reneging on his promises," veteran peace negotiator and Palestinian lawmaker Hanan Ashrawi said. "Palestinians believe that there is no chance now of having a two-state solution."

This just isn't going to happen. What the 'Palestinians' may not realize is that the Israeli Left is more opposed to having one state than the Israeli Right. The Israeli Left will never agree to giving the 'Palestinians' full citizenship rights in the State of Israel - it's what they've been trying to avoid for more than 40 years.

Of course, giving the 'Palestinians' full citizenship rights could have one advantageous result: Israel would get to determine how many 'Palestinians' there really are. There wouldn't be any dead people voting Chicago style.

Heh.

Israel Matzav: Change?