Kerry and Bibi Begin the New Year with Intense Talks

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Israel yesterday for his 10^th time in the Middle East region in efforts to move Israeli-Palestinian peace talks forward. Until his scheduled Sunday departure, his visit will include ‘intensive conversations’ with both Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, a senior State Department official remarked. He made it clear to the press that the intention behind U.S. efforts is not to push a U.S. plan, but to propose ideas to both leaders that hopefully can bridge the gaps between them and help them visualize what peace will look like in terms of all the core issues that need to be resolved.

Prior to Kerry’s arrival, a Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) official announced on Wednesday that the Palestinians would reject any framework accord that is presented by Americans and called on the PA leadership to stop bidding on American sponsorship of the peace talks and demand international intervention.

On Tuesday in a speech to commemorate the 49^th anniversary of the Fatah party’s founding in Ramallah, Abbas threatened diplomatic and legal action against the ‘cancer’ of Israeli settlement building. Out of respect for Kerry and to avoid international criticism, Netanyahu called for the delay of any settlement activity until after Kerry’s visit. Xavier Abu Eid of the PLO’s negotiations unit said that Israel was “under an obligation to cease all settlement activities, not for one or two days, but forever.” He also said a delay of a few days might avoid embarrassing Mr. Kerry during his visit but would not help Palestinians or the peace process.

Despite the comments and actions of both sides, Kerry’s unwavering determination has gotten both leaders to at the very least hash out the key issues. Yesterday, Kerry and Netanyahu spent five hours one on one in a dinner meeting. “I plan to work with both sides more intensely in these next days to narrow the differences on a framework that will provide the agreed guidelines for permanent status negotiations,” Kerry informed reporters prior to their meeting. Netanyahu told the press that while he knows Kerry and he himself are committed to peace, there’s growing doubt in Israel that the Palestinians are committed to peace, and that “if we’re to succeed in our joint effort, President Abbas must reject terror and embrace peace.”

Netanyahu’s commitment should not be taken lightly. Barak Ravid, the diplomatic correspondent for Haaretz newspaper, writes “even if Netanyahu doesn’t have to sign the American document, even if he presents objections and even if nothing changes on the ground on the day after, Israeli willingness to enter intensive talks based on that ‘framework agreement’ will mean setting out on a road from which there is no way back.” Kerry has in effect cornered Netanyahu by his relentless presence, coercing him to stay on the peace track for now. The weeks ahead will show whether Netanyahu will choose to move forward or find an escape route.