(Washington Times) Gilad Erdan - Israel is rightfully seen (and sees itself) as part of the West, as the only democratic "responsible adult" in the area. Treating the Palestinians as children - guiltless and unaccountable - is the surest way to perpetuate the conflict, not end it. No serious demands are made of the Palestinians, because as "children," expectations of them are low, and they are never taken to task for their misdeeds. When the Palestinian Authority (PA) signs a pact with extremists who reject Israel's very right to exist, we are told that the Palestinian leadership is weak and seeking internal legitimacy. When the PA officially turns terrorist killers into Palestinian national heroes, we are told not to undermine their narrative. If the West continues to treat Palestinians as children, giving them a pass on these and other issues, what motivation do they have to grow up? If the Palestinians have their "state" recognized by the UN, the UK or Sweden without having to compromise or even negotiate, what incentive do they have to make peace? Unilateral Palestinian steps in the international arena will not end the conflict with Israel. They will set the stage for its continuation and escalation. Western states that seek a real peace between Israelis and Palestinians can play a constructive role in resolving it by demanding that the Palestinians take responsibility for their behavior like grown-ups. This requires insisting that extremism will not be rewarded and that there is no substitute for direct negotiations on all the core issues. The West should make its generous aid to and diplomatic support for the Palestinians contingent on Palestinian willingness to negotiate in good faith and to compromise, unequivocal rejection of violence, and recognition of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people. These are the fundamental requirements for a secure and enduring peace. The writer, Israel's minister of communications, is a member of the Security Cabinet.
2014-10-28 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive