The odds of achieving an Arab-Israeli peace deal seem to have grown even longer, thanks to the publication of the so-called “Palestine papers.”
When Al-Jazeera television released documents revealing details of the 2008 negotiations, they provided surprising insights into the bargaining positions of Palestinian and Israeli leaders. The Palestinians, for instance, spelled out in detail what land they would give up in the West Bank and east Jerusalem to achieve a two-state solution.
Palestinian negotiators were also apparently willing to dramatically scale down the long-standing demand for Israel to allow a “right of return” for Palestinian refugees.
Commentators and reporters have noted that the proposed concessions have angered and dismayed many Palestinians. Some believe that President Mahmoud Abbas will be politically weakened by the revelations. This week, thousands of Palestinians protested in Gaza, calling him a traitor.
The other side of the coin is the apparent lack of reciprocal concessions by former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who was more moderate than the current Israeli leader. The latest round of talks was suspended when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to halt construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
The U.S. role, in both the Bush II and Obama administrations, is also open to question. With Palestinians proposing significant concessions, why was it not possible to prod Israel into responding in kind?
The Qatar-based television station’s release of these documents makes it difficult for the parties to return to the table. However these insights may help strengthen those within Israel who are pressing the government to make concessions in the search for peace.
Ӣ Ӣ Ӣ
Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
