Israel’s New Government Shouldn’t Give Up on Peace
It might seem distant, but only a two-state solution will work.
Lapid and Bennett have their work cut out for them.
Photographer: Photographer: Kobi Wolf/Bloomberg
Israel has a new government — but how much difference this will make to the prospects for peace is in doubt. In Gaza, Hamas emerged from its recent 11-day clash with Israel eager for confrontation, repeatedly launching incendiary balloons across the border. Israel has retaliated with airstrikes. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, nearly 17 years into what was meant to be a four-year term, recently suspended elections yet again. Beset by corruption and infighting, Palestinian leaders have offered no realistic proposals and little sign they could uphold a deal if one was struck.
Israel’s new leaders do seem eager to strengthen ties with the country’s few Arab partners. Hardline Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has spoken with his Egyptian counterpart about reconstruction in Gaza, and centrist Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has inaugurated Israel’s first embassy in the United Arab Emirates. This outreach is commendable and should be reciprocated by other countries in the region.