Peace talks have stalled due to the end of the settlement freeze, but now Prime Minister Netanyahu wants another condition: an oath from the Palestinians to Israel as “the national state of the Jewish people.” The loyalty oath has long been a desired action by the religious right.
The Palestinian Authority may recognize this, but not in exchange for a simple extension of the freeze – they want veritable peace. Nor will they negotiate unless the settlement freeze is extended.
Members of the left hope that this last step will prepare relations for the realization of the peace process.
In most games, there is a certain power structure based on recognition. In this peace game, power will be balanced based on a respect and appreciation of Israel as Jewish state, to ensure that the Arabs never overtake Israel, even if they do have a larger population, and a recognition of Palestine as national entity. But since Israel is the one who is calling the shots, they want their demands satisfied. If it were up to desperate Palestine alone, peace might occur, but being backed by a relatively extreme Arab League doesn’t speed the process. Sure Israel could be the bigger man and grant Palestine what they want, but fear holds them back. And so the games continue.
