There are signs that Hamas may be showing signs of pragmatism. They have received increased support in the Palestinian municipalities by the Palestinian electorate. Hamas terrorist tactics against Israel are not conducive to reconstruction of the Palestinian infrastructure damaged very severely by the intifada. There is a certain feeling of déjà vu when the same question arose before the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993. There was a debate as to whether Israel should negotiate with Arafat and the PLO. It was illegal to negotiate with them under the preceding Israeli governments at that time.
The same old question arises that one should negotiate with one's enemy in order to achieve peace. However, it is imperative that one's enemy shows the same desire to reach a peace agreement. If both these factors are lacking then negotiations will never begin.
It is true that Hamas does not recognize Israel's right to exist in theory. Their manifesto leaves one without a doubt about that. As in most cases, theory and pragmatism do not always go hand in hand. This was the case with the PLO prior to the Oslo Accords when their manifesto also included non-recognition of the "Zionist Entity." Even after negotiation, the PLO Manifesto towards non-recognition remained unchanged for a long time. There is no reason to believe that the situation between Hamas and Israel is any different. Both organizations had carried out numerous acts of terror against Israel.
However, if Hamas shows a desire to negotiate with Israel despite its attitude towards Israel, Israel must be prepared to negotiate. Hamas's attitude should not determine preliminary negotiations. However, for these negotiations to be successful there must be a cessation of violence by agreement on both sides.
There is so much confluence of interests between Israel and the Palestinians not only politically but also economically and socially; it seems that Hamas will be showing more signs of pragmatism as they gain more power in Palestinian street. There are no guarantees that this will occur. It is not disadvantageous for Israel to negotiate with Hamas if they (Hamas) so desire.
Israel may prefer to negotiate with Abu Mazen. However, if the Palestinians do not support Abu Mazen, Israel will have to reconcile herself with the fact that she will have no alternative, but to negotiate with the chosen Hamas leadership. One should not view this as an Israeli weakness, rather pragmatic strength. Egos of one side or the other should not be taken into consideration when negotiations begin. Both sides should have a common goal - PEACE AND SECURITY - for both sides.
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