Macron may have pulled off a miracle on Palestine and Israel should see it as an opportunity

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1. SUBMISSION STATEMENT:

   While it seemed Macron was handing Hamas a major win by saying France would recognize Palestine next month, the subsequent conference in New York has isolated the group, with the entire Arab League demanding that it releases hostages, disarms and leaves governance to Palestinian Authority.

   This is a diplomatic maneuver which satisfies Israel’s stated goals – getting hostages back and eliminating Hamas – while putting pressure on it to commit to Palestinian statehood.

   While the Israeli right may not like it, it could provide a way out, if Arab nations are serious about providing assistance and keeping the peace.

   Getting all Arab countries to back these efforts is a major French achievement.

2. Inchallah

3. This is a major step by the Arab League. The main issue even beyond the far right in Israel, most Israelis see a leadership vacuum inside the PA and no roadmap for controlling Gaza. If one is put forward that Israelis, Arabs states, and at least some Palestinians can get behind, maybe there is a chance. But it’s not just the hardliner right wing Israelis who need to be sidelined, it’s also the Palestinian movement that still believes in a right of return and the destruction of Israel as a Jewish state. Obviously that is a non-starter for Israelis. With Iran sidelined perhaps the Arab states can influence things more but you still have Qatar hosting Hamas and playing the propaganda game. I’d like to be optimistic for a two state solution but I have a feeling we still aren’t there yet.

4. And when Hamas doesn’t fulfil its end of the bargin, so Israel doesn’t fulfil its, only Israel will face any notable amount of blame.

   It is not a win. Unilateral recognition nothing but an attack on Israel as it legitimises using violent tactics against it by showing it gets results.

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