By Micah Halpern
I've Been Thinking:
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat presented a 56 page report outlining what he considers essential steps to be taken regarding Palestinian relations with Israel.
The report is really the Palestinian response on the status of non-negotiations with Israel and their lack of progress in finalizing
the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
Erekat, always a wily character and shrewd thinker, suggests that the Palestinian Authority rescind its recognition of Israel. Yasser Arafat recognized Israel in 1988. The rescinding, or taking back, of this recognition would be a tool to force Israel into concessions.
Erekat also suggests bringing Gazan Islamic groups, like Hamas and Islamic Jihad and others, into the PLO executive committee.
These moves are more than symbolic. Erekat hopes that they will unify Palestinian leadership. If enacted, the Erekat plan will give Palestinians leverage over Israelis in the international arena and in bi-lateral, face-to-face and tri-lateral talks.
But it will fail.
Palestinian unity is a myth.
Even if the Palestinians withdrew their recognition of Israel it would mean nothing. It would appear to be a blank gesture of weakness - and that is exactly the opposite of the position Palestinians want to convey.
Micah@MicahHalpern.com
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