Middle East Peace Process Hits Roadblock as Israelis Lose Faith in Negotiated Settlement

The latest round of violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories has left the Middle East peace process on the brink of collapse, with both Israelis and Palestinians losing faith in the possibility of a negotiated settlement. The situation is exacerbated by the US becoming fatigued by the demands of the peace process, and the likelihood of a stalemate that is not in favor of Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat's authority.

Key Takeaways:

• 70% of Israelis want an emergency government of national unity, indicating a loss of faith in the possibility of a negotiated settlement.
• The lynching of Israeli soldiers in Ramallah was a catalyst in creating a mindset among Israelis that Arabs do not want peace, but rather a deal that they will break when they become stronger.
• Palestinians have come to the conclusion that they will not get all the territories occupied by Israel in 1967 without using force, leading to a sense of betrayal and a growing support for Hamas.
• Hamas has blasted the summit results, saying they fulfill the wishes of the US administration and the Zionist enemy, and has rejected all the results of the summit.
• Islamic groups throughout the Arab World and beyond have echoed Hamas' sentiments, reinforcing the belief that force will result in the expulsion of Israel from Arab lands.
• The targeting of the USS Cole in Yemen, leaving 17 US soldiers dead, was seen in the same light, with Jaish Mohammed claiming responsibility and the leader of the Pakistani branch of Jaish saying the group might open an office in the Palestinian territories if Israel continues with operations like the helicopter assault on Ramallah.
• The positive prospects for a comprehensive peace in the region may not recover in the foreseeable future, with both the Palestinians and the Israelis disillusioned with the ability of the peace process to deliver what either side wants.
• Public opinion in the Arab World is coalescing in favor of the Palestinians, with demonstrations and charity collections taking place throughout the region.

Statistics:

• 70% of Israelis want an emergency government of national unity (Source: Gallup poll published in 'Maariv' newspaper on Oct. 13).
• 4,000 Palestinians were injured during the weeks of confrontation (Source: APS sources close to the Sharm Al Shaikh negotiations).
• $26 million was collected in one day in the UAE for charity efforts in support of the Palestinians, including $10 million from a single donor (Source: APS sources close to the Sharm Al Shaikh negotiations).

Sources:

• 'Maariv' newspaper
• APS sources close to the Sharm Al Shaikh negotiations