Israeli Foreign Ministry Document Outlines Strategy to Avoid Permanent Peace Deal
Naor Gilon, former counselor of political affairs for Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, presented him with a document outlining the country’s future foreign policy strategy. It reveals:
The government should not attempt to reach a permanent settlement with the Palestinians but rather focus on a temporary accord that would prevent US and European frustration.
[…]
“.. the attempt at imposing a settlement with the Palestinians has failed in the past”, and that future attempts would lead to more disappointment and frustration on the part of the US and Europe as well as a violent Palestinian response.
[…]
“We need a realistic attitude – the arrival at a temporary accord without dealing with the core issues. This is the maximum that can be achieved, if we want to be realistic,” the document states.
The document is expected to be approved by the ministry’s directorate within days as Israel’s official future foreign policy.
Meanwhile, Lieberman told journalists in Croatia two weeks ago that he was ready to enter peace negotiations with the Palestinians without preconditions, but said of Israel’s ongoing illegal settlement activity:
“It’s not a real problem … It’s only an excuse [for the Palestinians] to avoid direct talks.”
Israel Minister Cancels UK Trip Fearing Arrest for War Crimes
The legal ramifications of Israel’s 22-day pummelling of Gaza – resulting in the deaths of 1,400 Palestinians – continue to be felt by its leaders:
Israel’s vice Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon recently cancelled a planned trip to London over fears that he could be put on trial for alleged war crimes, his spokesman said on Monday.
British activists seek his arrest for the role he played in the Gaza military assault as well as for his role in the killing of 15 people in 2002, which included a leader of Hamas and fourteen civilians (eight of which were children).