US Middle East Policy

Of annexation and Trump’s peace plan, what’s next on the post-Israeli election agenda?
Prof. Inbar: Annexation of the West Bank or parts of the West Bank has been on the agenda of every Israeli government, including Labor-led governments because want the settlement blocs as part of Israel.

The guaranteed failure of the “deal of the century” is an opportunity for Israel to open the Americans’ eyes to the harsh and complicated reality in our region and lead them to support the strategy of managing the conflict and wait for better times.

Netanyahu’s True Colors? No to Palestinian State, Yes to Annexing Parts of West Bank.
Audio interview with Prof. Efraim Inbar.

Trump’s landmark Golan decision asserts the law of diminishing returns: Arabs who refuse to make peace with Israel lose rights and assets as time goes forward. Mahmoud Abbas: Take notice.

Experts Divided Over US Decision on Golan Heights.
Dr. Jonathan Spyer: Israel's de facto control of the Golan is not in doubt, and there is no likelihood in the foreseeable future of any serious attempt by any force to change this situation.

US recognition of Israel’s sovereignty in Golan ‘sends a direct message to the Arab world’.
David M. Weinberg of JISS: Trump is saying: The longer you wait to make peace with Israel, the less you’re going to get.

American recognition of Israeli sovereignty on the Golan Heights.
Professor Efraim Inbar: ‘Netanyahu will benefit from Trump’s decision - not clear how much, it’s a close race’

Whatever paradigm for peace is tabled by the Trump administration, no end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in sight. Managing the conflict for the long term – a somewhat fuzzy approach in need of constant reevaluation – is the only realistic way to do some good in the Israeli-Palestinian arena.

It is inconceivable that the Trump plan will parrot the stale Clinton/Obama parameters of yesteryear or force any “peace paradigm” on Israel.

Any government elected in Israel will undoubtedly agree to discuss the plan with the Americans.