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Israel Is Forging Limited Ties with Arab States without Progress with Palestinians

(Times of Israel) Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Yoav Mordechai and Col. (ret.) Michael Milshtein - Over the years, a strategic equation emerged between Israel and the Arab world that posits there will be no progress in normalization between the two sides without a political settlement with the Palestinians. In the late '70s, Egypt prioritized its own national interests by pursuing a peace agreement with Israel, despite the absence of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. This pattern has accelerated in recent years, becoming the formal and informal policy of a large group of Arab leaders. The roots of this dramatic change can be found in the increasing threat of Iran in the region; the Islamic challenge from within; the rise of new young Arab leaders who feel less commitment to the Palestinian issue; and growing Arab disappointment in the positions of the Palestinians. The change finds its expression in formal and informal visits of senior Israeli officials in Arab states, growing cooperation between Israel and Arab states, and expanding economic activity between Israeli and Arab business leaders and companies. However, these changes are limited to the political elite in the Arab world, while ordinary citizens and public opinion still demonstrate deep hostility toward Israel and oppose any expression of normalization. Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Yoav (Poly) Mordechai is a former Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. Col. (ret.) Michael Milshtein served as a senior advisor for Palestinian affairs in COGAT.
2019-02-07 00:00:00
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