A secret Israeli report predicts a growing rift between Europe and Israel. J.J. Goldberg explains why Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance after the Paris terror attacks may make things worse.
Benjamin Netanyahu wants a ceasefire soon in Gaza, as does the IDF. But J.J. Goldberg reports the Israeli right wing wants to keep on fighting — and so does Hamas.
Israel’s latest announcement of permits for 1,200 new housing units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem has stirred a hornets’ nest of angry responses. Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said it could undermine the negotiating process before it’s even started. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said America does “not accept the legitimacy of continued settlement activity” and had communicated its “concerns” to the Israeli government. And Haaretz diplomatic correspondent Barak Ravid wrote in a scathing blog post today that Bibi Netanyahu still hasn’t decided whether he’s ready to “cross the Rubicon.”
After pundits from across the spectrum predicted John Kerry’s peace project would never get off the ground, it turns out he got the last laugh — for now.
Murmurs from both sides of the Green Line points to signs of peace progress. J.J. Goldberg says that doesn’t mean they’re on the verge of a deal — but may be inching closer to the table.