AMEINU-How do you react to the meeting that took place? What is your view of Obama’s inability to get Netanyahu to agree to a settlement freeze?
PINES-PAZ- The summit between Netanyahu, Abbas and Obama was, in my opinion, disappointing and a big missed opportunity. At a summit like this, certainly the first between these leaders, one would expect a positive atmosphere with significant statements that would provide momentum to the peace process. Unfortunately, both Abbas and Netanyahu did not do this. There was no message and from Israel’s point of view Netanyau appears to prefer to continue to argue about semantic differences rather than make significant steps towards peace. I think Obama is the only one who sees the necessity to move the peace process forward. The role of the mediator in the Middle East is most difficult and requires experience, determination and belief in order to succeed. I hope the both sides will respond to the challenge because then I believe Obama will succeed.
AMEINU- What do you think the next steps will be? Do you think peace negotiations will resume?
PINES-PAZ- I am not optimistic regarding the near future. For months we have witnessed feet dragging and negotiations on beginning negotiations. It is not enough to speak and be photographed; what is needed is a real strategic decision to choose peace. I hope that Netanyahu will do it, but it is difficult to see it happening.
AMEINU- What is your sense of what is going on in the West Bank now? What is the mood of your contacts there and what do they see as the prospects for peace?
PINES-PAZOn the West Bank over the past few years there have been positive changes led by the United States and the Palestinian Authority, with cooperation from Israel. The quality of life has risen, the economy is recovering and the freedom of movement has increased due to the removal of many road blocks by Israel. This however cannot be an alternative to diplomatic progress. It is a shame that the relative quiet, this break from terror and violence, is not being exploited for a diplomatic breakthrough. Like me, the people on the West Bank are not optimistic about the immediate future. Alongside the positive civic changes there is no hopeful sign of diplomatic progress and the Palestinians know it.
AMEINU- What is the situation on the left in Israel today? What role should in play in light of these developments?
PINES-PAZ- The political situation on the Israel left is not good. Both Meretz and the Labor Party suffered poor results in the last election and coupled with the Labor Party joining the right wing government, the Israeli left is without a proper political address. Kadima is a centrist party and their portrayal as a leftists misleads the public. Despite the absence of a real political home for Israeli leftists, I think there are large numbers of people who hold those beliefs and it is important they continue to express their opinions and fight for real peace. The left must do everything in their power to reenergize the hope for peace and call upon the government to choose this path. Well applied external pressure can influence the government and the general public.
