Israel Matzav

Abu Mazen: 'My way or the highway'

'Moderate' 'Palestinian' President Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen has a 'new plan' that he plans to propose to US Secretary of State John FN Kerry. It sounds a lot like the old plans, except that it comes with a nuclear option.

According to Abbas, who spoke in an Egyptian television interview as cited by Haaretz, over the course of next week he will submit an "unusual" diplomatic initiative or proposal.

The PA chairman added that his "surprise" will not consist of a declaration of war against Israel; Abbas's Fatah faction's "military wing," the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, already declared "open war" on the Jewish state late last month.

Instead, Abbas said it would be a diplomatic solution that he would present during Kerry's visit to the region next week, after first presenting it to the various branches of the Palestinian Arab leadership, reportedly on Tuesday.

The US will likely not receive the proposal warmly, but it enjoys wide Arab support according to Abbas, who said he would insist on its implementation. He added that it addresses the international and internal spheres of the conflict.

It is possible that an appeal against Israel to the International Criminal Court, which Hamas recently signed up to join, might be part of the international initiative; such a move would leave the PA and Hamas open to trial as well.

Along those same lines, Abbas's plans may involve a recently proposed UN Security Council resolution which would place the PA in charge of Gaza, and return Israel to peace talks based on the 1949 Armistice lines.

Of course, there's nothing here about what the 'Palestinians' will give. Nothing about 'end of conflict.' Nothing about dropping the 'right of return.' Nothing about demilitarization. Only territory.

If Abu Mazen's plan is not accepted, here's what he plans to do:

Al-Quds: Abbas will dismantle Palestinian Authority if US vetoes his new diplomatic plan at UN Security Council.
— Khaled Abu Toameh (@KhaledAbuToameh) August 24, 2014

Al-Quds report says if diplo initiative is rejected, Abbas will ask Security Council to impose solution based on 'international legitimacy'
— Khaled Abu Toameh (@KhaledAbuToameh) August 24, 2014

What could go wrong?

Labels: 1949 armistice lines, Abu Mazen, Fatah, Gaza, Hamas, Middle East peace process, Palestinian Authority

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 9:33 PM