IN WHAT appears to be a significant policy shift Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated a willingness to resume peace talks with the Palestinians based on the US formula of Israel withdrawing from most of the occupied West Bank.
Israel’s Channel 2 television reported that Mr Netanyahu was now ready to discuss borders under a deal reached with Washington under which Israel would maintain control of the larger West Bank Jewish settlement blocs and, in return, would transfer Israeli territory to a future Palestinian state.
An Israeli official cautioned that the Israeli offer to renew negotiations did not represent a willingness to return to the 1967 border. He stressed that the proposal was linked to the Palestinians agreeing to drop a September bid for United Nations recognition of an independent state and agreement to recognise Israel as a Jewish state.
Palestinian negotiator Nabil Sha’ath said it was impossible for the Palestinians to recognise Israel as a Jewish state because this would jeopardise the status of Israel’s Arab minority and make it impossible to discuss the return of Palestinian refugees.
Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians ended last September when Israel refused to extend its 10-month settlement building freeze in the West Bank.
Shaul Mofaz, a member of the Knesset parliament from the opposition Kadima party, blamed Mr Netanyahu for the diplomatic deadlock. “All Netanyahu had to do was say yes to Obama, but he lacks the courage and political leadership. He is afraid of foreign minister Lieberman, of his coalition and of his own party, so he shies away from every chance of talking to the Palestinians.”
Mr Mofaz, a former head of the Israel defence forces, warned that the army may be forced to call up reservists to deal with West Bank unrest that may break out next month when the UN is expected to endorse a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood.
Palestinian official Yasser Abed Rabbo said yesterday that mass marches were planned in the West Bank on September 20th, the eve of the UN vote. He said the protest will be the first of a prolonged effort called “Palestine 194” since the Palestinians hope to become the 194th member of the UN.
“The appeal to the UN is a battle for all Palestinians, and in order to succeed, it needs millions to pour into streets,” he said.