(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Michael Herzog - Since 2000, Israel has essentially agreed to regard the 1967 lines as a reference point - even if not a "baseline" - for territorial deliberations without prejudice to its call for significant adjustments to these lines. The Palestinians have come to accept Israeli retention of some settlement blocs. And both sides have agreed to bridge gaps through territorial exchange. But the basic narratives guiding their territorial viewpoints are still deeply at odds. Efforts to relaunch direct talks have focused almost exclusively on how to get the parties to the table, sidestepping the question of how to proceed if and when they get there. Instead, talks should be preceded by serious preparatory work on territories and borders. Brig. Gen. Michael Herzog (ret.) was personally involved in all of Israel's negotiations with the Palestinians from 1993 to 2010.
2011-12-26 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive