Howard Schneider has an article on the Washington Post website outlining the history and controversy around Netanyahu’s unprecedented demand that Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state or homeland before negotiations can begin. The issue has been covered more thoroughly elsewhere, but Schneider does include this interesting quote from incoming Israeli ambassador to the US, Michael Oren:
“During Oslo, the thinking was: We don’t need recognition. We are strong. We are the winners. Give them a chance. Give them an opportunity to acclimate to peace. This was wrong.”
Wow. “Give them an opportunity to acclimate to peace.” Stripping away the p.r.-speak Oren is essentially saying – Oslo was a chance for Palestinians to accept their defeat. Which they didn’t do.
Also, are we to take from this quote that Israel no longer sees itself as strong and “the winners?” Schneider’s article shows that Netanyahu’s new demand is a stalling tactic from an Israeli government that is increasingly panicked that it will have to make real concessions. It should be treated as such.
