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Palestinian Backlash Against Meetings with Israelis Will Deter Future Attempts to Promote Dialogue
(Jerusalem Post) Khaled Abu Toameh - The Palestinian leaders' vicious attacks on Israel and the U.S. after the publication of the U.S. peace plan have further emboldened the anti-normalization camp among Palestinians. A meeting last week in Tel Aviv involving Palestinians affiliated with the PLO's Palestinian Committee for Interaction with Israeli Society drew sharp criticism from many Palestinians. "I don't blame those who are now denouncing us as traitors for promoting normalization with Israel," said a veteran PLO official. "We are the ones who are telling our people that normalization is a form of treason." Even if the current controversy over normalization with Israel subsides, it's clear that the smear campaign against those Palestinians who still believe in promoting dialogue with Israelis has succeeded in deterring others from engaging in future encounters. Under the current circumstances, it's also hard to imagine how any Palestinian leader would be able to return to the negotiating table with Israel.