Of course, this policy is not, in any way, dependant on ‘creation of a palestinian state’ as such. If the policy is considered to be legitimate, (and I don’t hear the EU, the UN or anyone else condemning Abbas), then so be it. We can and should adopt the same policies. Now.
These thoughts may sound very harsh. But we are dealing with an extremely severe situation. The Arabs, in cooperation with the US, Tzippy Livni, Yair Lapid, and Bibi Netanyahu are playing for keeps. Insiders say that the negotiations will be very difficult, but if Netanyahu has an agreement in hand, he’ll go with it.
Today, in Washington, ‘rules’ are being drawn up between Israel and the Arabs, mediated by the Americans. So too must we publicize our ‘rules.’
Last time around, before the expulsion from Gush Katif, various right-wing leaders publicly announced ‘red lines’ which would never be crossed. That was our downfall. Our foe, at that time, Ariel Sharon and his government, only had to go one up on our ‘red line’ and the game was lost. And of course, they made up new rules as the game went on. We ‘played by the old rules,’ and as a result, never had a chance.
Well, times have changed and, at least in theory, we must learn from our mistakes. The stakes are very very high. Hundreds of thousands of people, the heart of our land, and in the end, the existence of the State. So it must be spelled out in no uncertain language.
There is only one rule:
Rule number 1: There are no rules, there aren’t any red lines. Anything and everything goes.
That, my friends, is the name of the game. It’s about time we win.
