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| Needs to do a couple of things |
Latest developments in Israeli politics have once again raised the wonted two words that have been marked in the heads of optimists; “what if ”. The death of Netanyahu’s right-wing father and the turbulence in current coalition makes prime minister to embrace a different approach in internal politics. As critics expected, Netanyahu adopted a pragmatist approach this time rather than linger on archaic hawkish disclosure as he did his past term.
Last two weeks have witnessed the results of this pragmatism. Netanyahu set sail for a new coalition, that would probably be the ruling one after elections, with the main opposition party Kadima whose leader is Shaul Mofaz, a moderate political figure who was also the minister of defense. Furthermore, Netanyahu tries to introduce new regulations in order to invigorate ruling coalitions which would in turn weaken and even eliminate some smaller parties like Haredi by raising the election treshold from 2%. We are of the opinion that these actions are by far the most appropriate moves that Netanyahu has made in his entire term in the office. Alliance with Mofaz and establishing a more stable parliament where government would not have to satisfy extremists all the time, would surely indicate a new era for Israeli politics.
Nonetheless, what is debatable is whether this new pragmatism would reflect on foreign policy and particularly on Palestine issue. This might just be the job for Mofaz. He has criticized Netanyahu for years over his unwillingness to engage in negatiations with the Palestine Authority. His previous plan, which was the closest arrangement with regard to Palestinian demands, accepted pre-1967 borders, offered land swaps and acknowledged the establishment of a Palestine State over the 60% of West Bank territory. Moreover, the plan also envisaged Israeli withdrawal from West Bank even if there would not be any bilateral agreement with Palestine Authority. Making these relatively “generous” offers, Mofaz will surely bring a change at least in rhetoric. But would it be enough?
Israel settlements are far from freezing any time soon. Just a year after Netanyahu accepted the two state solution in 2009, the number of Israelis settled in West Bank increased by 25.000. Moreover, due to the relatively peaceful period after the last military operation in Gaza and sluggishness brought by the recent economic boom within the country, negotiations did not make any progress during the last three years.
A moderate policy towards Palestine leaders would surely offend right wing political figures which are still effective on Israeli society. Hence, it is not clear that how far Mofaz can go to change policies. In addition, if Netanyahu fails to introduce new election threshold, the situation might get worse. Considering that he would be busy with election, Obama too can not back Netanyahu or Mofaz in case of turbulence. As a result, ruling coalition might not survive a policy change in the face of severe criticism by right-wing factions which consider Palestine as an impediment on Great Israel.
What is more worrying is that even if Netanyahu restrained hawkish political parties, there would still be no guarantee that Palestine Authority welcome new policies. Mofaz does not have a good reputaion among Palestinians. He is known for his ruthless operations during the second intifada. Therefore they -clumsily- rejected Mofaz’s plan in 2009 and there is no reason for them to do otherwise at this time. To aviod this kind of setback, Netanyahu and Mofaz need to show an act of good will. Demolition of new settlements in northern Ramallah and reclaim the “administrative detention” which caused over 1600 Palestine prisoners to go on hunger strike might be a good start.
Still, given the circumstances, one thing is certain; building confidence among Israeli and Arab leaders is almost impossible. But what would be the consequence if these people are left in an environment where they have to depend on each other to survive?
To Go a Mile in Someone Else’s Shoes
Based on this very idea, social entrepreneurs and youth leaders or creativists-creative activists (as we like to call them) Monica Balanoff and David Nutt founded a ground-breaking sailing and conflict resolution program called Seas of Peace. The Program brings together Middle Eastern and American youth for a summer of sailing and conflict resolution training. As they sail nearly 1000 miles together, these young people are obliged to work together across the borders of war to arrive safely in the next port. Activities aim at using sail training and the secluded nature of life at sea to foster empathy, teamwork, cultural awareness and intellectual curiosity among youth from Israel, Palestine and the United States.
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| "Encouraging Teamwork" |
Describing Seas of Peace, one participant said, “It wasn't our ability to win an argument or be ambassadors for our country's political position that was important. What was important was our personalities, self-reliance, leadership and teamwork skills, [which] were tested on a daily basis[...]”
Speaking of the programs pioneer session in 2011, one of the participants remarked, “At the end of my experience at Seas, I remarked to my facilitators that I felt there was an important difference between a completed voyage and a successful one. It was the difference between the [ship] carrying 15 kids into Boston. And for anyone who has not sailed on a schooner, it is no easy task. It requires unwavering trust in others, the ability to lead when it is required, and the maturity to follow.”
Speaking of the programs pioneer session in 2011, one of the participants remarked, “At the end of my experience at Seas, I remarked to my facilitators that I felt there was an important difference between a completed voyage and a successful one. It was the difference between the [ship] carrying 15 kids into Boston. And for anyone who has not sailed on a schooner, it is no easy task. It requires unwavering trust in others, the ability to lead when it is required, and the maturity to follow.”
“Politicians might make treaties, but it is people who make peace and our program offers hope and a sense of possibility for a generation that will soon be leading their respective countries.” concludes Nutt.
This blog believes that confidence building efforts among 50+ leaders might be a fool’s errand at this point, considering that they have been fighting for over a half century. Nevertheless, programs like these enshrine principles as emphaty, solidarity, interdependence in the minds of youth who might in turn introduce peaceful co-existence in the Middle East.
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