Pence let Netanyahu and Abbas evade negotiations

One could not but be impressed with US Vice President Mike Pence’s warm embrace during his visit to Israel. Moving the American embassy to Jerusalem and the determination in the battle against the Iranian nuclear program and the terrorism Iran is spreading are important and welcome. Pence and President Donald Trump’s appreciation and sympathy towards Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are sincere.

But between all the hugs and the praise heaped on us, one could not ignore the fact that Pence repeated President Trump’s policy, stating that only if both sides agree to advance the two-state solution—the US would help them move forward and reach peace agreements.

Pence and Netanyahu. The US vice president allowed the Israeli government to continue its passive cowardly approach (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

Pence allowed both Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to evade negotiations, so each of them can keep sticking to his refusal and preventing progress.

In his statement, Pence left Netanyahu with an escape route from the two-state solution and allowed the Israeli government to continue its passive cowardly approach, allowing the Palestinians to dictate our agenda and continue our dependence on Abbas’ will, an old and discontented leader who has past his prime. Furthermore, Pence gave the Palestinians and Abbas the power and the keys to decide whether to move forward towards agreements or not.

It’s a shame Pence didn’t urge the Knesset and the Israeli government in his speech to take responsibility and work courageously to advance the two-state solution. Something like: “You, the State of Israel and the Israeli society, which have established a state against all odds, which have built a strong society and an exemplary democracy here and overcome all your enemies, you are strong enough—even without the US—to fearlessly initiate and advance agreements to solve the conflict with the Palestinians, all the more so when the US president and the US have committed and are committed to your security at the highest possible level.

“President Trump and I stand by your side with all our might. It’s time to be brave, it’s time for an historic act that will strengthen your security, bolster the wonderful democracy you have built here, and most importantly, keep wars and bloodshed away from the two sides, which have suffered enough.

Let’s take our fate in our hands and stop blaming the stalemate on one of Abbas’ delusional speeches (Photo: Reuters)

“President Trump proved his sincerity, determination and courage when he declared Jerusalem as Israel’s capital (http://ift.tt/2ksrt1h), and now he has promised to move the American embassy to Jerusalem before the end of 2019. Gentlemen, it’s now your turn to prove your courage through action and move towards tough decisions. Stop being afraid and take responsibility for your people and for the people of the region.” As long as the Netanyahu government remains fearful or unwilling to move towards agreements, we will likely keep enjoying supportive visits which always end with the Americans returning to America while we stay here for additional rounds of violence and bloodshed.

We, the IDF, the security forces and the Israeli society are the strongest in the region. As the landlords, we must take responsibility for a solution. Not out of fear and not out of concern for the Palestinians, but in a bid to keep building a better society here and a better state with a solid Jewish majority. Let’s take our fate in our hands and stop blaming the stalemate on one of Abbas’ delusional speeches.

Major-General (res.) Amiram Levin is a former IDF Northern Command chief and a current member of the Labor Party.

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