It is not yet clear who attacked the Mizrahi family on Highway 35 on the eve of Passover in broad daylight. But it is clear that whoever it was had no fear whatsoever that he would be caught. It was a brazen attack — with a terrorist standing on the side of the road in broad daylight — and he was able to escape quite handily back into a village or right into Hevron with no problem at all, due to the removal of roadblocks that previously might have stopped him — or at least have slowed him down.
It proves, once more, that American pressure on Israel to extend “good will gestures” to the PA by releasing terrorist prisoners and opening security road blocks has cost our people another river of blood.
That price for peace – especially when the same ritual is repeated over and over again with no results – is too high. Talks should not involve blood-letting as a precondition for peace.
The definition of negotiation is to bargain with another, over preparation of a treaty or contract. It is a dialogue between two or more people or parties to reach an understanding and/or resolve points of difference. Successful negotiations involve a win-win scenario.
Continued terror attacks, government-sponsored media incitement designed to inspire further attacks and ensure another generation of hate makes it clear the PA has no interest in peace with Israel. Negotiations with such an entity are bound to fail, since the PA is not negotiating in good faith.
As a writer, one is taught to use language and words. But as an analyst and intergroup specialist, one focuses on actions rather than words. The actions of the Palestinian Authority government are painfully clear – this is not a partner for peace. In fact, this is not a partner at all.
Israel stands alone. It is in our best interest to simply focus on the job of protecting ourselves, unpleasant as it will be. The world will condemn us for it regardless. And then they will move on, because that is what life does.
But we will have to explain it to the Americans — that relationship is precious and necessary — and we need a true diplomat to do that. Someone who is fluent not only in the language but also in the culture. We need that person sooner, rather than later. Now, in fact. Our “hasbara” – our public relations – has been abysmal.
We need a coordinated, cohesive, coherent message, delivered promptly at the moment when something occurs and not hours later. One that is succinct, clear and culturally competent in the language with no typos or errors in syntax, grammar or spelling. Really.
We don’t have that yet – but we need it badly because the Arabs already have it and it has cost us dearly. A smart government will figure out that this is a priority to fund, and fast.