Israel-Palestine: "Proximity Talks" On the Edge of a Settlement Cliff

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x10wc0gR1tA[/youtube]

Later on Wednesday, Arab League chief Amr Moussa said that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas haddeclared he would not enter indirect talks with Israel. The situation was still unclear on Thursday, but statements coming from the region now put the "proximity talks" at the edge of a cliff.

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Although US Vice President Joe Biden condemned the announcement of the construction of new 1,600 housing units in East Jerusalem and questioned Israel's "trustability" on Tuesday, he stated two days later that the "proximity talks" could continue.

Speaking at Tel Aviv University, Biden said Palestinians had misunderstood Israel's announcement of the settlement plan, thinking that building would begin immediately. With no construction scheduled for now, he said, negotiators would have time to "resolve this and other outstanding issues."

However, on Thursday, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat insisted on the end of talks unless Israel steps back:

We want to hear from [United States envoy George] Mitchell that Israel has cancelled the decision to build housing units before we start the negotiations.

The subsequent news? Israel is planning to build 50,000 new housing units including the recent announcement of 1,600 units in East Jerusalem neighborhoods in the coming years, planning officials told Haaretz.

Comments

[Bijan]

Ali -

Any predictions on what next steps will be, especially in light of the most recent announcement?

Thanks.

[Ali Yenidunya]

Bijan,

As you are aware, the recent clashes between Israeli police forces and Palestinian demonstrators (which has included some Jewish people in East Jerusalem).

I think Washington is likely to give "assurances" to Ramallah that the settlements are to be delayed at least until the end of indirect talks which has been expressed in a similar way by Netanyahu already. If demonstrations do not bring thousands soon, this is the most likely scenario to come true, I believe. What do you think?

[Bijan]

Ali -

Thank you your reply. My understanding of the situation is limited (it would be nice if many of those involved in the peace process from the US would admit such a statement as well!!), however I do agree with you that the US will continue to push assurances to the Abbas that there is nothing to be concerned of and to continue with the indirect talks. I follow that with I am interested to see Abbas response given the statement from the Arab league stating the intent to halt talks..e.g. will this have any influence on Abbas' decision...I think it will.

Personally, I believe the US has kept its relationship with Israel so tight that there is no way the US will make such declarations as requested by Erekat and behind the scenes the administration will concede to the developments hoping Israel will "defer" the building. In my mind, this does not change much and to your comment may result in protests and potential conflict. If Abbas himself comes out with strong language stating the indirect talks this may be a catylest for large scale protests.

[William deB. Mills]

I would argue that the situation has deteriorated to the point that US rhetoric of any kind is now too little, too late. Action is required.

Washington needs a more careful balance between rhetoric and action than we have seen over the past decade or two. This year, in particular, Israel has been changing the reality on the ground under the cover of talking about talking, with the US falling into the Israeli trap one day, trying rhetorically to squirm out the next.

As Israel changes the situation on the ground by adding houses or settlements, by daily jet fighter violations of Lebanon's border, by police brutality against peaceful demonstrators (now including Israelis alongside Palestinians!), the US must, to gain the initiative, counter with its own actions on the ground.

Further talks with the Netanyahu clique seem a complete waste of time; it is obviously not negotiating with the U.S. in good faith. The situation has passed the point where something like recalling the US ambassador (recently suggested on the net) would suffice. But that does not necessarily mean the U.S. must start punishing the whole Israeli state by such means as cutting off military supplies.

It would be useful to enumerate in a reasonable order substantive steps the US might take to change the reality on the ground in a positive direction.

It now seems time for the US to start talking to any party willing to engage in a cooperative dialogue.

This can proceed on three levels. First, Israelis disenchanted with their government's intransigence and concerned about Israel's long-term security are speaking out loudly; listen to them. Second, Turkey, Brazil, and Japan have all made it clear that they are willing to assist in any genuine effort to achieve a Mideast compromise. Third is the Palestinian level. After all, the issue does concern the Palestinians, so why not talk to them? Extend an invitation to all concerned Palestinian parties to meet with U.S. and allied representatives, making clear that Washington will favor not individuals or groups but all those willing to join together in a Palestinian united front dedicated to establishing an independent, democratic state.

If the Netanyahu regime chooses to exclude itself from this dialogue, then simply leave it be. Let history pass it by.

Other suggestions for an appropriate US response?