The Dilemmas of Prisoner Exchanges and Kidnappings

On July 25^th 2006, Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier doing his compulsory service was kidnapped by Palestinian terrorists. The intention of his kidnappers was and still is to use him as a bargaining chip for releasing Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons. This method of bargaining by the Hamas and its allies is very effective. The use of threats of not being responsible for whatever happens to Shalit if their demands are not met is a form of ransom to exact a high price from Israel.

The decision for Israel is a hard one. To date there is talk of releasing 1400 Palestinian prisoners for Gilad Shalit. Many of these prisoners were responsible for the most horrendous murders of innocent Israelis about their daily business. The decision making on this issue from every point of view is tough. Whatever decision or agreement coming from this decision will not satisfy all the parties involved, least of all Israeli families who have lost members through terrorist acts.

What Hamas and their allies lack in sophisticated military equipment, they make up in stealth and tactics which has hit the underbelly of Israel very effectively. Israel has proved to be unable to deal effectively with these Palestinian groups. They have not been able to prevent kidnappings of their soldiers by Palestinian vigilantes in the south and Hezbollah in the north. Israel’s bargaining power is weak and within time it will get weaker. The possibility of freeing Gilad Shalit by army intervention is risky and doomed to failure. It is a “Catch 22” situation with no winners. Attempts were made in the past to free kidnapped soldiers and this ended up in tragedy as in the rescue Nachshon Wachsman in 1994, when a critical gap in information (the fact that the soldier was being held behind an iron door that was difficult to burst through) delayed the entry into the room and caused the failure of the entire operation. This scenario could easily repeat itself in the future if the army attempts to free Gilad Shalit.

Apart from that, Israel’s government is weak and much is due to the notorious corruption scandals that is tainting many cabinet ministers, the latest being the Minister of Finance Hirschson and who knows who will be next in line for interrogation by the police. Even PM Olmert has baggage waiting to be opened by the police at the appropriate time. These factors cannot be overlooked when assessing the power of the Israeli Authorities to negotiate or deal with the Palestinian kidnappers.

The moral dilemma is great when it comes to bargaining the release of Gilad Shalit. There is no doubt that prisoners with blood on their hands will be included in the bargain and the ramifications of this will increase the use of the effective kidnapping weapon by the Palestinians in the future. What is obvious is that the Israeli Army has failed to prevent kidnappings of their soldiers. Every kidnapping will exact an increasingly higher price. One needs to examine past kidnappings and the price exacted. The trend is that the price increases and so does the hate against Israel.

Prevention of kidnappings must take top priority to prevent Palestinian terrorists from using this tactic. The fact that kidnappings of Israeli soldiers in their line of duty does occur shows that the Israeli Security Forces have not found an effective way to prevent this from happening.

The bargaining for Shalit’s release will continue and it is not certain when he will be released. The price remains high and the disagreement over the Palestinian prisoner list remains an obstacle in reaching an agreement.

It is possible that Israel will release many Palestinian prisoners who have murdered innocent Israelis as part of the deal. The question that remains is when the murder was perpetrated and under what circumstances. As far as the Palestinians are concerned, prisoners with blood on their hands are considered “freedom fighters against the Israeli occupation”. This gives a reminder to Israel once again how problematic its existence is to the Palestinian extremists. There is no limit as to the number of prisoners that will be released in a deal for Shalit’s release. Their heinous crimes against innocent people are not even a consideration that will prevent their release from the Palestinian viewpoint.

If Israel is genuine in its desire to release bring Gilad Shalit home, it will have to bow down to the demands of the Palestinian negotiators. If they do not, Gilad Shalit’s future in the hands of his captors will remain a big question mark. The possibility of danger to his life cannot be ruled out. The release of Palestinian prisoners could be done in stages to prevent too much of a psychological trauma to victims of terror. Either way, the decision as to which prisoners should be released and when will be a very difficult one for Israel. It will also create a precedent for Hamas to continue to use the “kidnapping weapon” in order to get Israel to pay a heavy price for its demands.

The only way to prevent kidnappings and violence in the end is for both sides to sit down and negotiate a peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinians. This should place the ending of the occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel as top priority. This will also lead to negotiations to solve the right of return of Palestinian refugees, and Jerusalem being the capital of both Israel and Palestine. Logistics for this has to be worked out by the two negotiating partners. The solution to the conflict should be one that is fair to both sides. Both sides will have to make painful decisions. Is any compromise painful for the achievement of true peace between Israel and Palestine? Surely an end to the conflict is advantageous to both peoples.

The Importance of the Arab (Saudi) Peace Initiative

The Arab Peace Initiative is an interesting development towards granting Israel an opportunity to develop normal diplomatic relations with its Arab neighbours. This development is positive, and Israel should take it seriously. It is a reasonable starting point to begin negotiations. Of course, as mentioned in a previous article, this is dependent on Israel’s willingness to return to the pre-1967 borders, the right of return of 1948 Palestinian refugees and the declaration of a Palestinian state alongside Israel with East Jerusalem as its capital.

While the latter three points are problematic from Israel’s point of view, it does not negate the positive elements in this plan. It is a reasonable starting point for a permanent peace between Israel and its Arab neighbours, including the Palestinians.

Israel had a turbulent history from its establishment and the fact that the core of the problem was the Arab States’ total opposition to Israel’s establishment in 1948. They declared war on Israel – the War of Independence. They never recognized Israel’s right to exist. This was the first of Israel’s many wars for survival which resulted in a tragic Palestinian refugee problem, which exists to this day.

Since then, there were more wars between Israel and her Arab neighbours:

1. 1956 Suez War

2. 1967 Six Day War of June 1967

3. 1973 Yom Kippur War

4. 1982 Lebanese War

5. 2006 2^nd Lebanese War

There were also the two intifadas (Palestinian Uprisings) of 1987 and 2000.

Now there is the possibility of reaching an agreement with the neighbouring Arab states and normalization. Israel should not dismiss this peace initiative out of hand despite its disagreement with points in the initiative.

According to Ze’ev Schiff of Ha’aretz, it took the Arab states 40 years to arrive at the decisions that they did in Riyadh - recognizing Israel, calling for peace and normalization and willingness to negotiate. They have laid down some very tough conditions, of course, but the Arab countries leading the initiative know very well that Israel will not accept the return of Palestinian refugees.

The attitude in 1967 was well illustrated at the Khartoum Arab Summit of 1st September 1967 “no peace, no talks, no recognition of Israel." The leader was the president of Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser.

An interesting observation is that Saudi Arabia is now replacing Egypt as a leader of the Arab World and Egypt is now playing a secondary role in trying to mediate between the Israelis and Palestinians, despite the fact that Egypt and not Saudi Arabia has diplomatic relations with Israel.

The United States is embroiled in Iraq and its record of credibility is decreasing rapidly in the Middle East. How can the US act as “honest broker” in the Arab-Israeli Conflict when it has failed hopelessly in Iraq to a certain extent in Afghanistan? In the latter country, the Taliban is showing signs of becoming influential and powerful again. The US cannot be taken seriously anymore. Their power and influence is diminishing. It appears that the only movement towards peace in the Middle East must come from the Arab states in the Middle East, including Israel and the Palestinians. This becomes even more obvious as all the countries of the Middle East, including Israel and the Palestinians, have a more serious problem with which to contend. The problem is Iran which is a potential nuclear threat to all. Iran wishes to control the Middle East and they are a threat to the moderate Arab states no less than Israel which President Ahmadinajad wishes to destroy.

It remains to be seen whether Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will accept the Arab Peace initiative as a starting point to begin negotiations on normalization of relations with Israel’s Arab neighbours. Olmert seems to be very dubious in his attitude towards the Arab Peace initiative. He is talking with two voices. He makes statements supporting peace and at the same time not showing any desire to end the conflict by deeds. It would serve the interests of all the peoples in the Middle East if Israel were more forthcoming in accepting the peace initiative as a positive starting point to end the conflict permanently. Sticking points in the peace initiative, such as right of return of 1948 refugees, should remain open for negotiation so that a just solution satisfactory to all parties to the conflict can be reached. If this problem remains a hot potato then it would hinder progress in achieving peace between Israel and the Palestinians and the neighbouring Arab states. All issues, including the status of East Jerusalem should be discussed and a just solution found with which both sides could agree.

On the Palestinian track, emphasis should be placed on prisoner exchanges and a return home of the kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. Israel should consider talking to all members of the Palestinian National Unity Government despite the problem of the semantics of recognition of Israel by Hamas. President Mahmoud Abbas represents the National Unity Government and not parts of it. He should be viewed as the man with the powers of decision making despite his well known weaknesses and the person with whom Israel must negotiate as the representative of the Palestinian Authority. Only by conducting peaceful and meaningful negotiations can there be movement towards the establishment of a Palestinian state which is more than overdue. Both Palestinians and Israelis must cease hostilities towards each other, Qassam rocket fire in the south and Israeli Army incursions must end.

According to Al Ahram Weekly 5^th – 11^th April, Israel's prime minister is engaged in a public relations exercise. Meanwhile, it is business as usual, as his army plans a wide ranging assault against Gaza, reports Khaled Amayreh from East Jerusalem. This would be detrimental towards creating the atmosphere for negotiations on peace.

On the Lebanese track, serious negotiations should begin with Hezbollah to return the two kidnapped Israeli soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. Both sides should climb down from the high branches of the tree to achieve this. While the soldiers remain in captivity, Israel should not remain adamant in its refusal to negotiate their release with Hezbollah.

A serious opportunity for a final peace settlement between Israel and its Arab neighbours has arrived. It would be a great pity if Israel refuses to accept this challenge for peace with her neighbours.

The National Unity Government and Peace

One would expect that there would be some movement towards a cease-fire as a good will gesture towards the world of nations. Instead, only a few days after the national unity government was formed, an Israeli employee of the Electricity Supply Co. was wounded by Hamas sniper fire. The Egyptians also captured a Hamas activist from Gaza who was planning a suicide attack in Israel.

What does this mean for the future of peace between Israelis and Palestinians under the national unity government? Does this mean that the national unity government is ignoring terror attacks against Israel? It is still early days to come to any conclusion about that. Dr. Mustapha Barghouti has been appointed Minister of Information. His task is to market the national unity government to global and Israeli public opinion. According to Y-Net, 16th March 2007, Barghouti stated: "Israel's stance is wrong. The new Palestinian government is not only a Hamas government, but also the government of all the Palestinian people. The unity government represents the choice of 90 percent of Palestinian voters," he explained.

Barghouti said it was strange that Israel decided to reject the new government before seeing its plans and platform.

Addressing the platform, he said that "what was published is speculation, as the platform has not been finalized yet and is now being formed. Apart from that, why shouldn’t it include the right of return?"

According to a report in Haaretz March 20^th, 2007, Palestinian sources claim that two commanders of the Hamas military wing, Jamal al-Jara and Yusuf al-Zahar, brother of former foreign minister, Mahmoud al-Zahar were responsible for the attacks. These two individuals are engaging in terrorist activity in order to goad Israel into a sharp reaction that will cripple the national unity government. Tactically, this would serve the purposes of these two ambitious rogue Hamas commanders who oppose the national unity government. It is a matter of sour grapes! They never received a post in the national unity government and this is their method of revenge against it.

Whenever there is an attempt to move towards a new order of unity in the Palestinian camp, there is always a backlash of hard-line terrorists, who can only survive on destruction of the new order, in order to draw Israel into violent retaliation. The main reason for that is (according to them) “while Israel occupies Palestinian territory, the right of armed struggle must be observed”. No thought is given for the welfare of the Palestinians at all! It is a power struggle between opposing Palestinian camps. Their use of violence towards Palestinians and Israelis is cynical. It will result in further bloodshed, hate and lack of progress towards an independent Palestinian state. As far as the Hamas affiliated hardliners are concerned, the occupation is not just the areas occupied in the 1967 Six Day June War but the State of Israel since its establishment in 1948.

Many Palestinian hardliners say that Israel is the occupation – “al Naqba – the catastrophe” of 1948, and has no right to exist! Their desire is the destruction of Israel and driving the Jews into the sea. While there are some Hamas members in the national unity government who believe in this, the chances of peace negotiations and movement towards the end of the occupation is very remote indeed. It makes no difference, whether it is the constant travels of Dr. Condeleeza Rice, the new UN secretary general, Banki-moon or any other peace broker, the chances of peace between the Palestinians will remain evasive for many years in the future. The problem between the two peoples remains existential.

There is a chance despite this that the national unity government, because of its great need for financial assistance from the world of nations, might modify its anti-Israel stance and show pragmatism by coming to terms with Israel’s existence, albeit grudgingly.

The Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 has been relaunched during the recent Riyadh Summit. It seems that the original Road Map plan as approved by the quartet (US, UN, EU and Russia) has been tossed aside in favor of this peace initiative.

There is room for some optimism towards peace in the Middle East. For the first time there is now a plan that has received widespread support by the Arab nations attending the Riyadh Summit that also includes an end to the state of war between Israel and her Arab neighbours, including the Palestinians. It also includes normalization of relations between Israel and her Arab neighbours. On the face of it, Israel rejects this peace plan. Israel should not reject this peace initiative out of hand. From Israel’s point of view, there will be disagreements over the right of return of 1948 refugees and the status of Jerusalem. Despite this, the plan has many positive elements. The two sticking points should remain open for negotiation to find a just and permanent solution. It should not be an obstacle justifying a rejection by Israel. If Israel rejects this plan outright, she will be viewed as not interested in achieving peace with her Arab neighbours. The plan is a positive start and if accepted in the right spirit as a starting point for negotiations with agreed changes to its format, even with reservations, it could mark the end of hostilities between Israel and her Arab neighbours.

At the same time, it remains to be seen whether President Mahmoud Abbas will be able to bring the hardliners in the national unity government to agree to negotiate a permanent peace treaty with Israel.

According to a report in Haaretz, 29^th March 2007, P.M. Ehud Olmert seeks talks with Saudis and moderate Arab states. It is not true that Israel rejects peace negotiations outright. It is an unfortunate fact that Israel had been plagued with so many acts of terror against its civilian population by infiltrating Palestinian suicide bombers that it is unable to accept this Arab Peace initiative without a sense of skepticism. According to Al Jazeera, March 31^st 2007, the EU is prepared to deal with non-Hamas ministers of the national unity government. How this will achieve peace remains a large question. Mustapha Barghouti has stated that negotiations are with the national unity government and not with desired parts of it.

The main problem that Israel has is a security problem and until Hamas (the dominant members of the national unity government) comes to terms with Israel’s existence and is prepared to accept a Palestinian state alongside Israel as well as cease to support terror operations against Israel, there is very little chance of achieving peace in the Middle East.

A Flawed Israeli Leadership

How can we believe our leaders when so many are involved in activities of questionable legality? The accusations against some of the leaders range from rape and sexual harassment as in the case of the “Honorable” (or Dishonorable) President Moshe Katzav. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is also under criminal investigation for various business and personal deals. The prime minister’s bureau chief, Shula Zaken, has also been suspended amid accusations of bribery which is part of a massive Income Tax Authority scandal. The list seems unending.  

The latest fashion is the declaration of false university degrees in an attempt to gain a seat in the cabinet as in the case of Esterina Tartman of Avigdor Lieberman’s right wing Yisrael Beiteinu Party. Tartman wanted to be tourist minister and presented a string of false university degrees in order to impress her party leadership for the post. After an outcry her attempt failed. Her appearance on TV explaining her misunderstood pseudo-diplomas that she displayed was a tragic-comedy. According to a news report on Israel Radio, the adviser to the Minister of Internal Security, Avi Dichter, is under investigation for procuring a false university degree. Even the candidate for police commissioner, Yakov Ganot, has a blemished record despite his acquittal on bribery and corruption charges some years ago. Avi Dichter is determined to appoint Yakov Ganot as police commissioner despite this. Perhaps it is a matter of appointing people to high positions whose records are the least tainted by dubious legal activities. Are there any leaders left in this country whose records are unblemished by questionable legal activities? This question remains open.

If those who hold public office do not tell the truth to the public and are under criminal investigation (unfortunately there are many Knesset members in this odd situation), how can we believe them when it comes to denying physical abuse of Palestinians in the territories or the fabrications that they sell for world consumption? Olmert, as mentioned earlier, is under suspicion of corruption and is now attacking the state comptroller, Micha Lindenstrauss, over his preliminary report on the readiness of the home guard in its conduct during the Lebanese War of July-August 2006. Surely, with Olmert’s questionable record, his credibility is suspect as well!

Israel has a government of shame, lies and corruption! It is not fit to rule! How can one believe them when they hold peace talks with the Palestinians? Liars remain liars even when they negotiate with the Palestinians as their credibility is low even amongst the Israeli electorate. Could this also be one of many reasons for lack of progress in peace talks with the Palestinians? Israel’s leaders will tell the Palestinian leadership one thing and do the exact opposite. They will talk about peace on the one hand and continue building settlements beyond the green line on the other. Remember that Avigdor Lieberman’s right-wing racist Yisrael Beitenu (Our Home Party) is part of the coalition and so is the moderate, spineless Labour Party of the political buffoon, Amir Peretz. Lieberman will ensure that no settlements are dismantled! The ability of the Labour Party to maintain their cabinet seats with such disgusting right wing partners is more important than their integrity – but, in Israeli politics, integrity and honesty do not take priority – only political cartels involving shady deals and jobs for pals as was illustrated in the recent bribery scandals of the Income Tax Authority amongst some examples. Even the Minister of Finance is under suspicion of bribery and corruption prior to his appointment to the cabinet.

The Israeli claim that the Palestinians do not maintain peace agreements is true. Is the corrupt, insensitive Israeli Government more credible or capable of keeping any peace agreement?  What about the very wealthy businessman, Arkady Gaydemak, who is under suspicion of money laundering, and continues to be photographed with high ranking government officials? He is received in Israel with great honour for his “charitable work and generosity” despite the fact that his wealth was attained by illegal business deals.

A corrupt and dishonest leadership is the enemy of peace between Israel and the Palestinians as it is self defeating for both sides.

The Palestinian leadership is corrupt no less than the Israeli leadership. A friend of mine said that we are not “more papist than the Pope”. However, when corruption infiltrates our society at such a rapid rate with so many Knesset members involved then there is a serious problem in credibility, honesty and accountability to the electorate that voted these shady mediocrities into the Knesset.

The National Unity Government of Palestine and the Future of Peace

The Mecca Agreement that has been signed by Hamas and Fatah under the auspices of Saudi Arabia seems to be working as far as cessation of violence between Hamas and Fatah is concerned, if nothing else. There are a number of inadequacies in this agreement. These are, from the Israeli point of view, the ambivalent attitudes towards recognition of Israel’s right to exist, and cessation of terror against Israel. Was this intentional in order to kowtow to Hamas? Possibly!

The moderate Arab States have an important role to play in ensuring that the Mecca Agreement will work. They could make it clear to Hamas that they must be prepared to recognize Israel’s right to exist, cease terror against Israel and release the kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. Obviously, the latter will only occur once the conditions of a prisoner exchange, to which both Palestinians and Israelis could agree, are met. So far, the Saudis and the moderate Arab States have not pressured Hamas to cease their violence. However, King Abdullah of Jordan did state that the National Unity Government must recognize Israel. Mahmoud Abbas also believes that but he is not as forthcoming.

The idea of a National Unity Government of Palestine will be a government that speaks with two voices. One voice (Fatah) speaks of negotiating a settlement with Israel and the other voice (Hamas) does not intend to negotiate with Israel and cease terror.

How can Israel negotiate with the Palestinians when their leadership speaks with two voices? Which is the voice that is a true reflection of the Palestinian Authority? Will it be the moderate voice of President Mahmoud Abbas or the uncompromising voice of Hamas and its leader by proxy in Damascus, Khaled Mashal? Surely this makes negotiations for peace between Israel and the Palestinians impossible. The Hamas leadership has no objection if Mahmoud Abbas negotiates with Israel, but they do not give him the power to reach an agreement with Israel. Mahmoud Abbas remains weak and ineffectual. He will be used by Hamas in order to gain much needed funds for the Palestinians. It is unlikely that these funds (if they arrive) will be used for rebuilding Palestine’s infrastructure, including health services, education, internal security, and industry so that jobs could be created.

There is no doubt that the Palestinian leadership has to become organized and be responsible leaders in order to ensure the building of Palestine. This will ensure Palestine’s independence by becoming a responsible member of the world of nations and all that that entails. Hamas is a cancer in Palestinian society. They can only survive on hate, murder, genocide and general chaos. The enemy of Hamas is prosperity for the Palestinian People. This will ensure its disappearance from the Palestinian camp. Responsible leadership for the Palestinians is the key to a better future and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Even if Israel gives up all the occupied territories, to whom can she return these occupied lands? There is no responsible, stable Palestinian government that can receive these territories without being a threat to Israel. The Saudi Plan of 2002 for peace and recognition of Israel is a reasonable plan and one that is worth considering. This plan makes provision for recognition of Israel by the Arab states for the first time including establishing diplomatic relations. There are problems from the Israeli point of view. They are the following:

• Giving up all of the Golan Heights


• A Palestinian political and administrative presence in Jerusalem


• The dismantling of all Israeli settlements in Golan, West Bank and Gaza


• The potential problem of the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

Despite these pitfalls, the above sticking points need to be clarified and discussed further and a way must be found to solve these pitfalls.

The road to peace between Israel and the Arab states depends on the achievement of peace between Israel and its Palestinian neighbours. The moderate Arab States can facilitate the attainment of peace by applying pressure on Hamas to change its attitude towards Israel. The U.S. has lost much credibility in the Middle East because of its failure in Iraq and Afghanistan and the total chaos that resulted in these countries. This could allow the moderate Arab states to act as facilitators in peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Failure to achieve peace could cause Iran’s evil influence on Hamas to increase and become a very serious problem as well as a threat to all the peoples in the Middle East, including the Palestinians.

Demonstrating against Temple Mount Excavations

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is seen in the background as members of the Israel Muslim Movement shout out slogans during a demonstration in East Jerusalem. (Al Ahram) 

The Violence on the Temple Mount

The violence that erupted at the Moghrabi Gate at the entrance to the Temple Mount and Al-Aqsa Mosque was predictable. The Israeli Authorities had decided to take unilateral action by deciding to begin archeological excavations near the Moghrabi Gate, which is the main entrance to the Temple Mount and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This was a provocation! Many Israelis will not agree with this assessment and they will maintain that the excavation activity is legitimate. Apart from that, there is a danger of the bridge collapsing leading to the Moghrabi Gate. While the latter claim may be true, the way the issue was tackled was certainly provocative and lacked sensitivity for the feelings of the Moslem Community.

The authorities allowed excavations to continue without consulting with the Jerusalem Wakf. Instead of doing their homework, they started excavations. This resulted in a violent Palestinian reaction, and rumors spread that Israel was opening the way for settlers to destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque and rebuild the ancient Temple. The repercussions caused by the excavations reached beyond the borders of Israel, including Jordan. While it may be argued that Israel was in her right to excavate and reinforce the bridge for safety reasons this somehow does not mean that Israel acted wisely in view of the sensitivity of the situation between Israel and the Palestinians. Israel has no credibility in the eyes of the Palestinians and whatever Israel does will cause a very strong reaction amongst the Palestinians. This makes the importance of consultations with the Jerusalem Wakf before embarking on archeological projects a matter of urgency.

The excavation plans were drawn up by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Jerusalem Municipality. P.M. Ehud Olmert had authorized the project. This unilateral action created the tinder for violence. Somehow this brings back memories of Ariel Sharon’s ascent of the Temple Mount in September 2000 which was the catalyst for the beginning of the second intifada that had resulted in so much loss of life on both sides. Israel somehow never learns from her mistakes and repeats them as in this case.

The situation in Jerusalem is very tense. It does not take much to trigger off violence. While Israel claims that the excavations are far from Al-Aqsa, this did not calm the situation at all. The action that Israel took provided grist for the mill and the head of the northern branch of Israel's Islamic Movement, Sheikh Ra'ad Salah, called Friday for an "intifada" to save the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Israel Radio reported. In a fiery speech at his protest tent in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Wadi Joz, Salah accused Israel of attempting to build the Temple on the Temple Mount while drenched in Arab blood, according to the radio. "Israeli history is drenched in blood," Israel Radio quoted Salah as saying. "They want to build their Temple while our blood is on their clothing, on their doorposts, in their food and in their water." Sheik Salah’s use of such metaphors against Israel only adds fuel to the fire of hate between the two peoples.

Police Commissioner Moshe Karadi said Friday that police will investigate Salah's comments, and should they be found to be seditious in nature, steps will be taken against him. The police are weighing whether to ask for a court order prohibiting Salah from entering Jerusalem altogether. On Thursday, February 17, 2007, Salah dismissed a court ruling to extend by another month the order to keep him 150 meters away from the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem because he is accused of organizing demonstrations against Israeli renovations near the Temple Mount, spitting at police officers and calling them murderers, occupiers and cowards. "They have no right to make decisions on anything connected to the Al-Aqsa Mosque," he said. "I emphasize that I will enter the mosque at any time I think is right."

According to Al-Ahram Weekly, 15-21 February 2007, the Israeli antiquity authority said it would go ahead with opening a tunnel beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque that would link the Western Wall with the Arab neighbourhood of Silwan, which Jews refer to as the "City of David". The tunnel is expected to pass directly beneath the Marwani Mosque, where significant parts of Al-Aqsa Mosque are located. The tunnel, coupled with a network of other subterranean passageways in the area, poses a real threat to the foundations of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the nearby Dome of the Rock.

"The foundations of Al-Aqsa Mosque already face a real danger as a result of aggressive Israeli excavations in the area. I wouldn't exaggerate if I said that unless Israel stops these provocative works immediately, it will be a matter of time before the mosque collapses," said Youssef Al-Natshe, an archaeological expert on Jerusalem's Haram Al-Sharif compound. "In fact, we are already beginning to see cracks in the building, and that is a bad omen."

Israeli authorities Monday claimed to have halted digging in the area "for the time being". Sheikh Salah dismissed the Israeli claim as "a big lie". "Am I going to believe them and disbelieve my eyes?" he asked.

According to Miftah, the Palestinian Journal 13 February, 2007, The Israeli cabinet voted in favor of continuing excavation at the Moghrabi Gate near Al Aqsa Mosque despite widespread condemnations and protests against the works. The government even disregarded suggestions from within its own establishment to put the excavations on hold. Jerusalem mayor Uri Lupolianski previously announced that the bridge works would be temporarily halted, but was later criticized by Olmert who said he never approved the suggestion.

One especially outspoken Israeli has been archeologist Meir Ben Dov, who told Israeli Radio that the current works at Moghrabi Gate are “illegal and unjustified”. He also said he warned the government about the potential danger such works could have on the structure of the Aqsa Mosque, which he said has “fallen on deaf ears”.

Under these circumstances, and to prevent a further deterioration of the situation it would be prudent for the sake of peace to take up Jerusalem Mayor, Uri Lupolianski’s advice and cease the excavations immediately. It remains to be seen whether Olmert will be wise by accepting Lupolianski’s advice and suspend the excavations.

The Mecca Agreement and its Impact on the Palestinians and Israelis

The fighting between Fatah and Hamas in Gaza had become intolerable. The situation became dangerous for the Palestinian people who were unable to live a normal life without being caught up in factional fighting cross-fire. Many cease-fires were arranged, even under the auspices of Egypt, but after a day or two these cease-fires were broken and the fighting continued unabated. The results were terrible and there was hardly an institution in Gaza unscathed by the unrest. Since the elections last year, there had been rivalry between the two parties, Hamas and Fatah, which had weakened President Mahmoud Abbas so much that he was unable to govern. The factional fighting also resulted in the tragic deaths of more than 130 Palestinians.

According to a report by Al Jazeera 8th February 2007, rival Palestinian leaders have signed a deal to form a government of national unity aimed at ending lethal infighting and a crippling international boycott.

The deal, mediated by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, was confirmed at a signing ceremony in Mecca on Thursday.

Mammoud Abbas, the Palestinian president and leader of Fatah, asked Ismail Haniyeh, the current Hamas-nominated prime minister, to form the new government.

Abbas and Khaled Meshaal, the exiled leader of the Hamas, signed the deal in a palace overlooking the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine.

The deal sets out the principles of the coalition government, including a promise that it will "respect" previous peace deals with Israel, delegates said. (However, in later news reports, the issue of recognition of Israel was never discussed. If this is the case it is doubtful whether they will respect previous deals with Israel.)

Meshaal said the accord "will unify our ranks. There is a commitment and unity. We will preserve this partnership".

The following is a text of Abbas' message to Haniyeh: This is the basis of the agreement signed between Hamas and Fatah.
“In my capacity as the head of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the president of the Palestinian Authority...
a) I designate you to form the upcoming Palestinian government within the time specified under the basic law (five weeks.)
b) After forming the government and presenting it to us, it should be presented to the Palestinian Legislative Council for a vote of confidence.
c) I call upon you as the head of the upcoming Palestinian government to commit to the higher interests of the Palestinian people, to preserve its rights and to preserve its achievements and to develop them, and to work in order to achieve its national goals as was approved by the Palestine National Council, the clauses of the Basic Law and the National Reconciliation Document ... Based on this, I call upon you to respect international resolutions and the agreements signed by the Palestine Liberation Organization (referring to peace accords with Israel).
Under the agreement, Hamas will hold nine ministries in the Cabinet, including the prime minister's post. Fatah will hold six, and other factions will hold four. Fatah will name independents as foreign minister and two state ministers without portfolio. Hamas will name independents as interior minister, planning minister and a state minister without portfolio”.
What does all this mean in practice? According to the agreement, this will result in the formation of a new Palestinian Cabinet with members of Fatah, Hamas and independent politicians.
The talks in the Saudi city of Mecca, mediated by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, has led to agreement on the allocation of several posts in the cabinet.

1. Ziyad Abu Amr, an independent, is the new foreign minister.


2. Salam Fayyad, from the Third Way Party, becomes finance minister.


3. The remaining ministerial posts include nine ministers from Hamas and six from Fatah.


4. Four other ministerial posts will be distributed among other Palestinian factions.


5. Five posts will be assigned to independent politicians not belonging to any political faction.


6. Three of the independents will be nominated by Hamas and two by Fatah.

A source told Al Jazeera that Khaled Meshaal, chief of Hamas' political bureau, would not become the deputy head of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
If one were to examine the composition if the new cabinet of national unity, Hamas has been weakened and this could be significant in policy making vis a vis Israel. Despite the fact that P.M. Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Mashal, the Hamas leader, are still not prepared to recognize Israel’s right to exist, it remains to be seen whether their determination not to recognize Israel will form the basis of the new Unity Government’s attitude toward Israel. This does give some leeway, from the Palestinian point of view, to gain recognition by the US, European Union and the UN to end the sanctions against Hamas. In reality, it does not go far enough. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Zahar, the extremist Hamas Foreign Minister, has been ousted, leaving the way open for a more pragmatic approach towards Israel. However, their attitude towards Israel remains ambivalent.

Another important point is the Saudi attempt to weaken Iran’s influence on the Palestinian Authority by becoming the Palestinians’ guardian. This will involve Saudi Arabia investing large sums of money in Gaza. It could influence the future of peace in the region by a bringing up the Saudi Peace Plan of 2002 for recognition of Israel. This Saudi Peace Plan is reasonable and has many positive aspects. Hamas did however state that they would abide by agreements previously signed between Israel and the Palestinians if in their view it serves their interests. At this stage, it is very likely that Hamas will try for a hudna or long term settlement with Israel. No doubt, Israel will view that with extreme caution. It is uncertain at this stage whether weapon smuggling from Egypt will cease under a long term settlement. Hamas’s record of sticking to any agreement with Israel remains poor to say the least.

It is doubtful whether Hamas, Islamic Jihad and the other extremists will disarm and cease violence towards Israel. They could re-ignite the power struggle between themselves and Fatah. This possibility exists, if they do not change their attitudes towards violence and coming to terms with Israel’s existence. Perhaps at this early stage, the Hamas faction may need time to regain their strength and once again regroup for another round of violence. In order to achieve this, they need a temporary cessation of violence. They may decide on a change of strategy by signing an agreement with Israel for an indefinite cease-fire of their own choosing. It is almost certain that Israel will not accept that.

There is not much room for optimism, however guarded, with the Mecca Agreement. It may prevent fighting between the various factions in the Palestinian Authority as the main players have been neutralized by the agreement. However, if there is no parallel movement towards recognizing Israel, Hamas may once again turn on Mahmoud Abbas and undermine him in a power struggle that leads nowhere apart from further suffering for the Palestinians.

Hamas and Fatah fighting in Gaza

Two days of gun battles in Gaza broke a ceasefire hammered out earlier in the week [AFP]











Hamas attack on a Fatah supplies convoy on
Thursday scuttled a ceasefire deal [AFP]









Palestinians loot a Palestinian riot police office after it was attacked and stormed by Hamas militants in Gaza City, Friday. (AP)

Fighting between Hamas and Fatah - Where will it End?

Hamas and Fatah are fighting each other non stop in Gaza. It is a very tragic situation and as usual those who suffer the most are innocent Palestinians caught up in the cross-fire. There are those in Israel who are pleased with the instability because of this factional fighting. Surely, there is no justification for glee! Hamas and Fatah are not serving the interests of their people and this does not serve the future of peace and the establishment of a future Palestinian state. The bloodshed and murder in Gaza is to be condemned by all! The hate between the power seekers who wish to continue the turmoil does not serve the interests of Palestinians, Israelis or the Middle East.

The total anarchy is fearful. Since the disengagement in August 2005, the armed groups on both sides have created incredible instability. Where is the elected leadership of the Palestinians? President Mahmoud Abbas is adopting a moderate position in his statements while Hamas Prime Minister, Ismail Haniyeh, is undermining him.

The Hamas and Fatah militias are killing each other relentlessly. The chances of an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire are close to zero. It affects the daily lives of Palestinian people who are unable to carry on their daily routines. Children are unable to attend school, and people are not free to do their daily chores which include shopping or going to work. Parents keep their children at home for fear of their lives. This is not because of Israel. Israel is not in Gaza anymore. The moment Israel left unilaterally, a power vacuum was created. This vacuum is not dependent on democratic elections but rather on the ability of various power-hungry factions to control the destiny of the Palestinians. The Palestinians voted for Hamas because of the failure of the Fatah controlled Palestinian Authority to govern. Fatah was corrupt and its members were more interested in the good life rather than establishing institutions of decent government and improving the infra-structure of Gaza. This was grist to the mill of Hamas, untainted by corruption, prior to the Palestinian elections a year ago. They were successful in those elections and pushed Fatah out of power.

Hamas has proved its mettle during its year of power. It has proved that it has no plan for the Palestinian people under its rule. It has achieved nothing apart from sowing hate – not only between Israel and the Palestinians by its refusal to recognize Israel’s right to exist and to negotiate peace, but also between the Palestinians themselves. Hamas is an undemocratic, extremist, terrorist, Islamist organization! It can only survive by creating turmoil and bloodshed! Hate and anti-Israel rhetoric is fuel for Hamas’s survival. It is not interested in the welfare of the Palestinian People or working towards the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. The only way to ensure Hamas’s decline is for the moderate Palestinians to make their voice heard - a voice that cries out for peace, normalization of relations with Israel, and the end of the brutal occupation. No army occupation is humane! How could it be? The Israeli settlers in the territories and their right wing allies’ attempt to justify the “humane occupation” are a blatant falsehood! Hamas could never survive if the Palestinians had economic stability. Let us face it and be honest with ourselves. The checkpoints and Israeli Army abuse of Palestinian rights because of security checks is the fault of Hamas and its terrorist allies! The factional fighting between Hamas and Fatah is also Hamas’s creation. There are those that blame Israel for the factional fighting because Israel had destroyed the Palestinian Authority prior to disengagement and created the vacuum. The Palestinian Authority in those days had been unable to stop the terrorist and suicide bomber incursions into Israel which resulted in Israel attacking Gaza in its search for terrorist cells. This had destroyed the Palestinian Security services which were impotent anyway. How does Hamas justify the murder and suffering of their own people for which they themselves are responsible? Fatah is not blameless either. Israel, with all due respects, cannot be blamed for that.

As the economic boycott against Hamas and its terrorist allies continue, so will the factional fighting. The overflow will also move into Israel with further Qassam rocket fire and suicide terror attempts. Anarchy in Gaza because of the fighting between Hamas and Fatah does not serve the interests of Israelis and Palestinians. It creates further bitterness and hate and strengthens Hamas and their ilk.

According to a report in Haaretz 2nd February, 2007, “The cease-fire between Hamas and Fatah in the Gaza Strip went into effect at around 5 A.M. Tuesday, allowing the residents of the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City to breathe freely. A few hours later, a Hamas man was shot to death by Fatah gunmen, but the exchanges of fire had stopped. The neighborhood's residents had been under attack for more than three straight days. The fierce battles in the Strip had centered around the main headquarters of the Fatah-affiliated Preventive Security Service, located in the heart of Tal al-Hawa, where quite a few families - middle class and up, by Gaza standards - live. Most of these families moved in the last few years from crowded neighborhoods and refugee camps to the neighborhood's new multistory buildings, which were built at the beginning of the decade. The new residents also get a breathtaking view of the Gaza coast. Since Friday morning, though, the residents of these multistory buildings were forced to look out their windows at a different sight altogether: dozens of gunmen running around the streets, carrying Kalashnikov rifles and RPGs, firing at militants from the rival organization. The Preventive Security Service headquarters came under heavy Hamas fire, while members of the security service fired at buildings that the organization had taken over. The windows of the houses near the headquarters shattered from the force of the rocket and mortar-shell blasts, frightening the residents. In one instance, Hamas operatives told residents of an entire building to evacuate the area for their own safety - as well as to make it easier for Hamas to attack the Fatah men”.

The formation of a national unity government between Fatah and Hamas is unlikely at present. While both parties are at each other’s throats one has to have a vivid imagination to forecast such a development.

The tragic violence will only end if both parties realize their responsibilities to their people. This includes cessation of violence, rebuilding infrastructures destroyed during the violence, recognizing Israel's right to exist and showing a desire to negotiate with Israel in order to achieve a just and lasting peace between both sides.

The President of Israel and his Accusations

This was an incredible week! The Attorney-General of Israel is weighing the indictment of President Moshe Katzav for rape and sexual harassment. All this is proceeding in the back drop of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the Iranian nuclear threat in the Middle East. Those who watched President Katzav’s performance on the podium of the presidential residence must have been left with mixed feelings. On the one hand, there is empathy for the embattled president (who is still innocent as he has not been charged with any crime), and disgust over the deep accusations weighing against him. It does not matter how one views Katzav’s predicament, it is incumbent on him to resign and clear his name. The fact that he remains in office even though the Knesset had not voted for his removal from the presidency but rather for temporary suspension of his presidential duties makes the presidential office in Israel a joke!

The president is the product of the loutish Likud Party of the 1980s and 1990’s. Who remembers the rowdy Likud Central Committee behaviour of those days during Likud Conferences? The various camps were in evidence then – the David Levy Camp, Shamir Camp and the Ariel Sharon Camp with loutish competition between the camps for taking over the Likud. The violence between the various camps and the throwing of chairs at one another was part of Likud culture.

Naturally, it is the strongest camp that wins and when it came to presidential elections in 2000, the Likud put up Moshe Katzav as their candidate for president against Shimon Peres and he won.

Many people saw Katzav’s victory as a success and a ray of hope for those immigrants from Arab Countries who lived in squalor ridden immigration camps in various parts of the country. At last, “one of their’s” had reached the top of the mountain – the presidency!

As so often happens to those who reach the top, they become victims of their own high positions. They see themselves almost unaccountable to the nation that they represent and above the law. After all, even though the Israeli president occupies a ceremonial position without any real power, he does represent the country on international and national occasions. He is seen as the representative of all Israel’s citizens. Surely, this is a very great responsibility! It seems that what is forbidden to the Israeli citizen by law is allowed to the Israeli president! This is evident by the amount of complaints of many women who were under his employ. They came out of the cupboard and went to the police making statements that he had raped one of them and harassed the others sexually. Surely these accusations are serious enough to warrant the president’s resignation so that he could clear his name from these accusations.

What was Katzav’s reaction? He made a horrendous speech or harangue whereby he accused the Israeli establishment – the attorney-general, the police, and press “with whom the police formed a partnership” to get rid of him. He also blamed the so-called elitist politicians who were not from the same humble mould from where he came for his predicament. He of course is as innocent as driven snow. He maintained that if he would resign that would be tantamount to admission of guilt. Apart from that, he had not been indicted of any crime to date.

If the average citizen was accused of the crimes that Katzav perpetrated, he would be placed under arrest and the chances of bail would be minimal. However, the president is still receiving presidential privileges even though his duties have been temporary suspended. This is ridiculous! The Knesset behaved irresponsibly in their decision. This is not surprising as many Knesset members are also involved in some irregularities with the law. Potential law breakers as well as law makers (which in Israel have become synonymous) these days cannot be expected to vote unanimously for Katzav’s dismissal from the presidency. Perhaps it is a matter of people living in glass houses should not throw stones!

In this situation, is it not surprising that the reaction by Palestinian leaders is one of cynicism toward the Israeli leadership?

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh made his first comment on the
Affair during a speech at a conference in Gaza City:
"You can imagine an entity, whose leadership commits adultery and
takes bribes and is dissolving. Would such a rapist leadership be able to
dominate or control this nation and this proud people? Absolutely not,"
Haniyeh said.

Even if Israel would not have been burdened with the Katzav Affair it would have had made no difference in the Hamas attitude to Israel.

The Katzav problem is a symptom of the sickness within the Israel leadership. The cases of corruption that are coming out of the cupboard compounded by the Income Tax corruption scandal is further proof that Israel is becoming a member of an increasing list of corrupt banana republics. Even in sport, the fixing of winning lists of soccer matches for cartels to make money has become widespread! This being the case, the movement towards a peaceful and just settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict will recede further onto the political backburner. Corruption in Israel changes its priorities which could spell danger to its future in the Middle East.

Travel Restrictions for Palestinians - is it Justified?

Israel has faced many security problems because of Palestinian terrorist activity. The construction of the security fence on a very controversial route that encroaches into Palestinian farm lands has been a cause of disagreement for quite a while now. The security fence is a desperate measure to prevent Palestinian terrorist infiltration. It has proved its usefulness and there is no denying that suicide bombings in the main centers have decreased markedly. This does not mean that it will remain so indefinitely. The route of the security fence - following the green line - would have been more desirable and would not have created unnecessary hardships towards innocent Palestinians.

Unfortunately, the moment there is some form of solution to a serious security problem, other problems arise. In this case it is the problem of travel within the Palestinian areas of the West Bank.

Despite the break down of communication between Israelis and Palestinians and the peace process in total ruins, it is essential that all forms of communication between Israelis and Palestinians remain open. This is important for humane and economic reasons. Palestinian people that are restricted in travel and communication will cause further hardships. This will strengthen the extremist non-compromising organizations such as Hamas whose survival depends on the extreme suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. Apart from that, and not less important, channels must remain open between Israelis and Palestinians to dialogue. This dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians to form peaceful relationships between each other, untainted by politicians, ought to be encouraged. Travel restrictions will make it more difficult for the two peoples to communicate.  

PM Olmert has paid lip service to easing various restrictions such as roadblocks within the Palestinian areas. In practice, nothing has been done and the incredible convoluted routes taken from one Palestinian town to another remains a tortuous ordeal that takes many hours even for a normal 15 minute journey. This has nothing to do with security. It has plenty to do with unnecessary humiliation of innocent Palestinian People, uninvolved in terror activity against Israel.

The justification for security measures can be stretched beyond all reasonable proportions. Nobody can argue against Israel protecting her citizens from terror. The methods that are employed are bordering on the unreasonable. When security rules are made and do not take basic human rights into consideration, it leaves a gray area open to Israel Army abuse. This can be at check points where some Israeli soldiers behave in a barbaric and impolite manner towards many innocent Palestinians.  Palestinians, in need if urgent medical treatment, are subjected to incredible humiliation and delays in getting that treatment. This is unacceptable!

“Security considerations” is an excellent excuse for carrying out abuse on innocent Palestinians at check points. The moment any self respecting human rights activist criticizes Israel Army behaviour for these activities, he is accused of being an anti-Semite or Israel-basher! How far can Israeli paranoia go in order to justify brutal behaviour! There is a hue and cry whenever parallels are used comparing the Israeli occupation to apartheid white South Africa of the past! While the situation is not comparable, the loutish and callous behaviour of the Israeli Security Forces is reminiscent of the behaviour of the white apartheid South African Police of old even though the reason may not be parallel.

Now with the addition of further travel restrictions against the Palestinians, it is becoming more difficult to avoid that odious comparison. When these practices of abuse occur in the territories, what claim can Israel make of being a true democracy? Is it a democracy Bush-style at Guantanamo Prison? The territories seem to be comparable to the US Guantanamo. The new travel restrictions against Palestinians further erodes Israel’s credibility. Even the Israel High Court has not come to any decision on that issue.

A question that should be asked is whether these travel restrictions on Palestinians is based on a de facto security consideration or is it a discriminatory measure. The line between the two aspects is very thin indeed.
Shulamit Aloni, a retired Knesset member and former Education Minister in the late PM Rabin’s Cabinet, stated in her article – “Indeed there is Apartheid in Israel” the following:
“Jewish self-righteousness is taken for granted among ourselves to such an extent that we fail to see what's right in front of our eyes. It's simply inconceivable that the ultimate victims, the Jews, can carry out evil deeds. Nevertheless, the state of Israel practices its own, quite violent, form of Apartheid with the native Palestinian population”.

Is Hamas on the Verge of Recognizing Israel?

On Wednesday 11th January 2007, Reuters issued a report that Khaled Meshal, the Hamas leader resident in Syria, recognizes Israel.  Naturally, this caused many raised eyebrows in Israel. The raised eyebrows are of total skepticism! Is this possible? If one were to examine the question and answer session held between Reuters and Khaled Meshal, it does not take much imagination to read that it is full of contradictions.

There are hints of a number of conditions before there is any form of recognition:

1. Establishing a Palestinian state on the June 4 1967 borders, including (East) Jerusalem,


2. The right of return of refugees from the 1948 war of Independence


3. Israel must withdraw to the pre-June 1967 borders.

There is a grudging non-recognition of the “Israeli Entity”. The reason for this is the total absence of a Palestinian state. It is not clear, according to Meshal, whether the Palestinian State will replace Israel and this will result in Hamas recognizing Israel. This is absurd! The contradictions as far as recognition of Israel is concerned is so numerous in the Hamas approach, that it makes it impossible to come to any conclusion as to what the intentions of Hamas are apart from Israel’s total destruction.

According to Meshal, the issue of Israel’s existence and recognition only complicates the Palestinian struggle for independence and an end to the occupation. On the one hand Meshal states that Israel is a fact but the Palestinians are not required to recognize Israel. He states that not all international relations are based on recognition. What does this mean in practice? Does this mean that one can have international relations with a country that does not exist? Where is the logic?

When confronted with the question whether Hamas will formally recognize Israel, Khaled Meshall responds:

“We as Hamas and as Palestinians do not talk about recognizing Israel or accepting it as a reality. As a Palestinian today I speak of a Palestinian and Arab demand for a state on 1967 borders. It is true that in reality there will be an entity or a state called Israel on the rest of Palestinian land. This is reality but I don't deal with it from the point of view of recognizing or admitting it. It is a fact that was the result of historical factors”.

This is strange logic indeed! It is like admitting that a state does exist in reality but this does not mean that we must admit that it exists! Hamas is running away from reality and is fantasizing that the reality of Israel is a figment of the imagination. This is indeed a very dubious way of discarding the reality of Israel’s existence.

According to Zvi Barel of Haaretz 11/01/07, there is a basic shift in the Hamas position. Khaled Meshal's declaration outlines a Hamas road map toward recognition of Israel. According to this outline, Meshal recognizes that the State of Israel is a "fact," but this "fact" still requires formal recognition. It is not clear what this entails.In practice, Meshal is trying to create an equation in which sovereign states recognize one another; but, for this to occur, we must first wait for the establishment of the Palestinian state, so that a similar legal entity can recognize its neighboring state- Israel.

There is no mention of even recognizing Israel in the future or changing the Hamas Charter to come to terms with Israel. Khaled Meshal is not prepared to face the fact that Israel’s is an integral part of the Middle East and that if he does not face this fact, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state will just not be a possibility.

How can Hamas negotiate with Israel based on respecting Palestinian rights when Hamas is not even prepared to negotiate with Israel on anything? It is not enough to claim that Hamas has a mandate from the Palestinian People in an election that was held a year ago. Hamas’s record of accomplishment on Palestinian human rights is flawed. Apart from that, they have achieved nothing for the Palestinians whom they are supposed to represent. They talk about the armed struggle against the occupation. There is a civil war between the more pragmatic Fatah and Hamas.

Hamas leaders make statements about Israel giving them nothing and just taking. How can Israel give or take from the Palestinians when there is no recognition of Israel’s right to exist from the Hamas side? The murmurings of recognition of Israel from Khaled Meshal are nothing but a smokescreen and a tactic to delude the world that Hamas recognizes Israel’s right to exist in a very obtuse way. The Palestinians are in a very severe economic depression. They need foreign currency and investment urgently. If this does not arrive then the Palestinians will face even more severe economic hardships.

Even if Israel withdraws to the pre-June 1967 borders, and declares Jerusalem to be the capital of two states as well as agreeing to the right of return of refugees, it is unlikely that Hamas will recognize Israel’s right to exist.

The statements of Khaled Mashal are not convincing and there is caginess as far as recognition of Israel is concerned. This does not bode well for the future of peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

Unless Hamas changes its strategy and ceases to send out ambiguous mixed messages about recognizing Israel’s right to exist, it is obvious that Hamas has not changed. There is no doubt that if Hamas does become pragmatic and recognizes Israel’s right to exist, there will be a basis for negotiations towards an end to the Israeli occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian State alongside Israel.

Hamas does not serve the interests of the Palestinian People by its implacable and obstinate attitude. There is no unity in Palestinian ranks with Hamas and Fatah killing each other in street violence.

The Palestinian people must realize that Hamas is a plague on their society. They can only survive in a violent environment of killing and intrigue. Surely, Hamas is a cancer in Palestinian society which will achieve nothing for the benefit of the people they claim to represent.

Corruption in Israel

We are now in the post Zionist era of Israel’s development. There are those people who view the post Zionist period in Israel’s development as the period when Zionism has ceased to be relevant. In a previous article I compared corruption in Israel with that of South Africa. That article was written before the news of the Income Tax corruption scandal in Israel made headlines. The conclusion that one reaches is that the rot has set into Israel’s corridors of power and influence. This rot filters down from the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, “run of the mill” party political hacks, who are Knesset Members, and directors of government departments. The rot filters down like a cancer and even crosses religious barriers. Establishment Judaism and its political ramifications in corruption are not immune. The Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi enjoys good hotels free while the Sephardic Chief Rabbi does not know what his wayward son is doing when it comes to assaulting a non-approved boyfriend of his daughter.

Eyebrows are raised at the mention of the term “post-Zionism”. Why are these phenomena occurring in Israel whose establishment was so noble? A disease runs in Israel, crossing political lines at a rapid rate. This disease is the “cartel syndrome” (known as “combinot” in Hebrew). Israel society is divided into two main groups:

1. The Cartels (combinot) – these are groups of people, usually politicians and their business friends who seek political influence in high places for profit. They form strong connections and use public money for their own financial advancement at the tax payers’ expense. Their motto is “This is due to me!” (Hebrew – Magiah li!)


2. The Suckers (Hebrew “friarim”) – these are the unfortunate citizens of Israel, especially those who are deprived economically. They pay the price for governmental corruption of all shapes and sizes. They pay the taxes and the Tax Authority directors and their shady ilk ensure that their pockets are not empty. The sucker never dies; he is always replaced at the click of the “judicial” finger!

The cases of corruption in Israel are increasing at an alarming rate! Israeli society has become more materialistic and less caring. The cartel is the result of people forming groups in order to keep to the old maxim: “If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours!” They regard themselves as being immune from the law. All these attitudes are the result of a flawed educational system that has failed to educate the young. Results are seen in the general behaviour of people in public places including the formation of “cartels” for jumping queues. Vehicle driving patterns on the roads are part of the same syndrome of loutish behaviour and lack of consideration that is so rampant in Israeli society! Fatal accidents cause death and taken a step further it will destroy Israel! The Palestinians are not a danger to Israel’s existence – nor is Iran. The danger to Israel’s existence is “the corrupt cartels”! They undermine Israeli society and values from within. They will hasten the conversion of Israel into a bi-national state as Jewish values are rapidly becoming history. This is post-Zionism!

Even some members of the Police Force are not immune from the “cartel”. Appointments are made on a political basis rather than on the person’s talent for the job in many government departments. The Income Tax Authority Chief , Jackie Matza, is now under arrest for suspected bribery and corruption and authorizing tax rebates for members of the powerful cartels in the corridors of power. If the Income Tax Authority is corrupt, then the future for legitimate state revenues from law abiding Israelis is in question. Israelis are amongst the highest taxed citizens in the world! The return for their taxes is poor. Could this be due to the “Cartel Syndrome”?

This is all indicative of the beginning of the post-Zionist era in Israel. Blatant materialism and the desire to form cartels in order to get rich quickly has now become the way of life in modern Israel. This method of personal enrichment at the tax payers’ expense brings a message loud and clear to the tax payer. Why pay taxes if the money goes to members of cartels in their motivation of enriching themselves financially?

This spells danger for the survival of Israel as a Jewish state. It might as well become a bi-national state. Jewish values are disintegrating, being replaced by fundamental materialism. This is not the society for which to strive. Its values are disintegrating and this will result in the destruction of democracy.

Under these circumstances it may be a good idea to ponder the idea of a bi-national state representing all of its citizens – Arab as well as Jewish. A corrupt Israel will never be able to deliver the peace that we need. This has nothing to do with corruption in the Palestinian Authority. If the leaders of Israel are unable to contain corruption and are even part of the system that promulgates this evil by default, then something is rotten in its leadership! Perhaps a bi-national, democratic, secular state with built in mechanisms that minimizes nepotism and corruption is the answer to Israel’s existence. Corruption in Israel will eventually result in Israel joining the unenviable club of third world banana republics.

Perhaps the only optimistic aspect of this scenario is that the rot has surfaced due to the public media in Israel which remains free. The rule of law is still evident as illustrated by intense police investigation into the Income Tax Authority scandal.