Israel Matzav

If they give, they will get and if they don't give, they will get anyway

During his first term in office, Prime Minister Netanyahu was famous for saying constantly about the 'Palestinians,' "if they give they will get and if they don't give they won't get." But now, writes YNet's Shimon Shiffer, in his second term, Netanyahu just gives and gives and gives.

The decision to halt residential construction in the settlements and the deal being formulated with Hamas have one thing in common: In both cases the Israeli side gives something and doesn’t get anything in return, or alternately, gets much less.

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Despite Netanyahu’s announcement that construction will be renewed following the 10-month freeze, anyone who has been monitoring the relationship between Bibi and Obama is convinced that even at the end of this period, no Israeli bulldozer will be making its way to a West Bank hill. The freeze will go on.

Those who were unable to withstand the American and international pressure thus far will not be able to withstand future pressure.

Netanyahu can seek comfort in one thing only. The pledges he made are “pretend pledges.” First, because for a long time now, no new construction plans have been approved in the settlements. On top of it, Netanyahu does not intend to put an end to the construction of thousands of residential units that are already in process, the construction of public buildings in the West Bank, or any kind of construction in Jerusalem. So is it any wonder that Benny Begin is an enthusiastic supporter of this “freeze”?

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And what about the deal with Hamas? According to all indications, Hamas rejects the generous offer submitted by Israel via the German mediator. Officials that are privy to the details of the negotiations say that “Hamas smells weakness and a great desire on Israel’s part to cut a deal at any price.”

What could go wrong?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:45 PM