Finally, someone is providing some vision. For the second time, cabinet minister Meir Sheetrit has said that Israel should negotiate with the Arab world on the basis of the Arab League Initiative.
It’s clear that Sheetrit is presenting an alternative to Olmert’s inertia, possibly ahead of a future leadership bid. “Kadima committed to reaching an arrangement and shaping Israel’s borders. We should wait until we have a Palestinian partner, and we will help them establish a stable and thriving state.” Of course, Kadima were elected solely on the promise to fix Israel’s borders. The fact that they have been allowed to quietly shelve these plans is a scandal.
“I propose that Olmert initiate a process in collaboration with the Americans and talk to the Arabs about the Saudi initiative. I believe he realises he must embark on a political process. I hope he will work toward achieving permanent peace.” But no-one’s holding their breath - Sheetrit’s ideas have already been dismissed by the government.
In these dull days we clutch at any straws we are offered….
Chaim | 22-Oct-06 at 8:50 am | Permalink
This TNR piece, “The Coming Israeli-Saudi Alliance,” appeared at TNR the other day:
http://www.tnr.com/user/nregi.mhtml?i=w061016&s=levey102006
(free reg. req’d)