Israel Matzav: Barghouti to be released in exchange for 'proximity talks'?

Barghouti to be released in exchange for 'proximity talks'?

'Bibi' is apparently going to reward Abu Bluff for agreeing to speak with him indirectly.

"We are prepared to do many things to improve the quality of life in Judea and Samaria," said Netanyahu referring to the West Bank. "But we first expect some movement on the Palestinian side."

"We are weighing releasing prisoners, but as you know, this is a sensitive issue in Israel because of the subject of [abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier] Gilad Shalit," the prime minister told the EU diplomats. "The matter depends on political movement from the Palestinian side."

Netanyahu did not specify whether the release of prisoners would take place in conjunction with indirect negotiations with Palestinians or as part of direct talks.

Netanyahu said that Israel and the Palestinians are very close to resuming "proximity talks," or indirect negotiations. "We are discussing the structure and the time-frame of the negotiations with the Americans," said Netanyahu, adding that he could not elaborate.

Now, let's read between the lines. Abu Bluff expects a reward for coming to the table. And what's holding up the 'terrorists for Gilad' exchange is that (a) there are certain terrorists that Israel does not want to release, or does not want to release to Hamas, and (b) Israel must find a way to do the 'terrorists for Gilad' trade with Hamas without weakening Abu Bluff anymore. Releasing Marwan Barghouti to Abu Bluff in exchange for starting 'proximity talks' solves both those 'problems' for Israel, at least with respect to Barghouti.

A year ago, Abu Bluff might have felt threatened by having Barghouti released. But now that he has said he won't run again declared himself President for Life, he may not feel as threatened. In fact, he may even want to co-opt Barghouti as his deputy, for example, by transferring control of the 'Palestinian security forces' from Salam Fayyad (who is getting too big for his britches anyway) to Marwan Barghouti.

What could go wrong?

Israel Matzav: Barghouti to be released in exchange for 'proximity talks'?