Reality check where “reality changes so rapidly.”

...Until quite recently it was common on the Israeli scene to suggest that gizmos, international forces, or really nice signing ceremonies on the White House lawn could secure Israel’s future. The few who still say these things are generally considered today to be naive – or worse.

Dr. Aaron Lerner..
IMRA Weekly Commentary..
06 June '13..




"I never had the attribute of closing my eyes and glamorizing reality; that is not why I became Prime Minister. …

Reality changes so rapidly that we need to ensure that after we sign something, we will be able to defend the peace and ourselves.

…I am ready to make difficult decisions to advance peace, but not those that will endanger the security of Israel's citizens."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Remarks at the 40 Signatures Knesset Session 5 June 2013

There are matters of national interest that are not necessarily related to security but instead to our national identity and heritage that merit being Israeli red lines.

Take for example permanent Israeli control of Maarat Hamachpela (aka the Ibrahim Mosque) in Hebron, the only intact Second Temple structure marking a place our forefathers were intimately tied to ages before King David conquered Jerusalem. Jacob's sons had to return to Egypt after burying his mummified body there. We celebrate that we are free to stay and our presence and connection attests to our permanence – something that is particularly important given our neighbor’s view that we are modern day crusaders - a passing phenomenon.


That said, the security issue has undergone a profound transformation as a result of recent developments.

Until quite recently it was common on the Israeli scene to suggest that gizmos, international forces, or really nice signing ceremonies on the White House lawn could secure Israel’s future.

The few who still say these things are generally considered today to be naive – or worse.

What does this mean for the future?

Probably what many consider second or even third best arrangements that do not involve the existence of a sovereign Palestinian state.

Today sovereignty is an integral element of the “solution mantra”.

But as Prime Minister Netanyahu so aptly noted, “reality changes so rapidly.”

We may yet reach the day that only esoteric academic circles ponder if voting in elections in an autonomy constitutes the exercise of self-determination.

Link: http://www.imra.org.il/story.php3?id=61196

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