The widely reported impasse between the Obama administration and the right wing government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the issue of illegal settlements, is put in perspective.
Bibi Netanyahu continues to talk tough about continuing settlement expansion in occupied East Jerusalem even as The United States Government has refrained from shifting Its position, insisting that Israel halt the building projects, as not doing so works against peaceful co-existence as well as the Two- State solution.
At this time, political commentators do not seem certain how this impasse will resolve itself, especially as Mr Netanyahu clearly is constrained by his far- right governing coalition, and Barack Obama, for the sake of his credibility and the need to project strength, couldn't possibly do what the Israelis want, and turn a blind eye to settlement expansion.
This impasse is however a welcome opportunity.. an opportunity perhaps for two very important stakeholders in the Mid-East peace process- The United States and the State of Israel- to look at themselves in the mirror.
The United States would have to stand firm on the issue of freezing settlement expansion, even at the risk of soured relations and the increased isolation of the state of Israel, to continue to pride itself as a credible partner for peace.
The State of Israel would have to endure repercussions for what is clearly a policy that is inimical to the peace process, to the extent that it begins to feel that it is losing more than it is gaining from pursuing such a policy...
In the current scheme of things, a credible and sustainable negotiation for the sake of peace could not possibly succeed otherwise...
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