A process of reversal
Saeb Erekat heard things as they are: the Americans will veto if Abu Mazen insists on establishing Palestine through a unilateral declaration at the U.N. General Assembly in September. Erekat publicized the information and his disclosure arouses curiosity.
A sobering-up process might be happening among the Palestinian leadership. It understands that even in foreign ministries that are critical of Israel - those who question Israel's declared intention to strive towards two states for two peoples - sense that Benjamin Netanyahu has made a serious offer to Ramallah, which has reacted by shrugging its shoulders.
Since its election, Netanyahu's government has welcomed the principle of two states for two peoples. Afterwards they clarified that settlements outside of the settlement blocs will not remain inside Israeli territory. Israel's claim of sovereignty along the Jordan River would be reduce; gradually only for security purposes.Clearly this is not enough for the Palestinians. It is also clear that even these three gestures, of disputed importance, are not enough. What are we getting as compensation from the Palestinian side of the barricade? The West asks as well.
In Washington, Erekat learned that America will not participate in the unilateral process nor will it allow the U.N.'s center of gravity to move to Europe. Why did he publicize these facts? Two possible explanations exist: either he is interested in inciting Arab states to pressure Washington for a position change before September or he is preparing the Palestinians for the moment when the PA gives up on a unilateral declaration in the U.N.
The Israeli tactical strategy has succeeded. But this is not yet the complete picture. In Washington, the prime minister's envoy Yitzhak Molcho repeatedly publicized authoritative information on the price of American support. Indeed, in order to save face, the Americans had to promise everything and more to the Palestinians and be demanding, even threatening, towards Israel.
Only the naive would think that if Barak Obama uses veto rights, Netanyahu would not be asked to pay an additional price; it will be revealed only after the fact. It is natural. It is clear. There are no free meals.
