A united front against Abbas

Some leaders change their ways and worldview, and convince the masses to follow suit. This is why, for example, Charles de Gaulle's decision to grant independence to Algeria was seen as significant event by those who opposed it. In a similar way, even those who disagreed with the path taken by the late former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, cannot ignore the fact that, for better or worse, he introduced new thinking to the Zionist doctrine, and led many toward the destination he believed awaited Israel. But the road to peace, as it came to be known, proved disappointing.

Palestinian leaders have never changed their ways, nor have they ever pretended to do so. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas appeared on the Palestinian political stage as Yasser Arafat's right-hand man in the Palestine Liberation Organization, and has been consistent in his positions over time.

Some in Israel have been unwilling to accept this reality, making excuses -- telling themselves, for example, Abbas was only naming streets after terrorists to appear loyal to his public, so he could later convince them to choose peace with Israel -- to reconcile the situation in their own mind.

It is time to face the truth. Abbas is the leader of a people that has made it its mission to fight Israel, and has never chosen a different path. Unlike Israel, Abbas has understood that the real battle is waged in Europe, the U.N. and the United States, where -- much with Israel's encouragement -- he is seen as the lesser evil. How can we complain about an enemy dressed in a suit and tie and armed with a doctorate degree and diplomatic etiquette, when the international community is dealing with real terrorists-

But Abbas' dubious credits reflect the exact issues Israel has to meet, and especially how it responds to the blatant walk-up call resonating from his recent diplomatic moves. Just like the tie-wearing terrorist can strike us with soft language, Israel's political leaders must, despite being at loggerheads due to the elections, unite to support military officials against this move.

This battle, which exceeds political scorekeeping, is our ethical backbone, and it remains to be seen whether the various party leaders and faction heads could demonstrate the necessary political maturity when it comes to standing steadfast by the definition of who is and is not in the right.

Unfortunately, our political history has shown that the road to The Hague will not see us stand united, but divided by the same issues that have always plagued Zionism. If the various party leaders would have the sense and maturity to admit that Israel's partner is playing a different tune, then maybe, just once, we would be able to note a victory on the international stage.

Dr. Eyal Levin is a political psychology expert lecturer in Ariel University's Israel and Middle Eastern Studies Department.

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