Ettinger noted that the fall of previously stable dictators in the Middle East, such as Mubarak in Egypt, has demonstrated that the stability of peace agreements cannot necessarily be guaranteed long-term.
Palestinian Authority Chairman Abbas is 78 years old, suffers from low popularity and factional infighting, and has been ruling without a mandate since Palestinian Authority elections were indefinitely postponed in 2009 due to fears that the U.S.-designated terrorist organization Hamas would take over.
“As for Kerry’s initiative, and Israel’s willingness to cautiously engage in a renewed process, you have to ask policymakers why they take erroneous steps,” Ettinger said.
“This initiative runs contrary to the interests of the U.S., the peace process, and U.S.-Israel relations.”
(JNS)
