If the ceasefire in Gaza holds, there is a chance that discussions will begin this year on the formation of a Palestinian state—a condition that Saudi Arabia apparently insists upon for agreeing to normalize relations with Israel.
Sounds reasonable in principle, but it isn’t. Israel has already confirmed that these talks will not lead to that outcome. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer was blunt: “There isn’t any such promise regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state,” he said. “None at all.”
So, another pointless round of diplomatic theater will unfold. Hope will turn to hatred. And no one will invest billions in rebuilding Gaza if it is all destined to be bombed again in a couple of years.
Israel understands this. It does not want Gaza rebuilt. And it does not want Palestinians living there. As they say in the Middle East: believe nothing that you hear, and only half of what you see. It’s good advice.
Share this post