Some Palestinian opinions on the election

From the New York Times Opinion Pages, by Palestinian writer Yousef Munayyer:

" . . . Mr. Netanyahu’s victory is actually the best plausible outcome for those seeking to end Israel’s occupation. . . .  [A]nother term with Mr. Netanyahu at the helm could actually hasten the end of Israel’s apartheid policies. The biggest losers in this election were those who made the argument that change could come from within Israel. It can’t and it won’t. . . .

"Replacing Mr. Netanyahu . . . [would have] halted pressure on Israel by creating the perception of change. . . . . The re-election of Mr. Netanyahu provides clarity. . . .

"The old land-for-peace model must now be replaced with a rights-for-peace model. Palestinians must demand the right to live on their land, but also free movement, equal treatment under the law, due process, voting rights and freedom from discrimination. . . .

"Mr. Netanyahu’s re-election . . . . plac[es] Israel on a collision course with the rest of the world. And this collision has never been more necessary. . . .  The election results will further galvanize the movement seeking to isolate Israel internationally. . . .

"And now, that pressure will increase. For this, we have Mr. Netanyahu to thank."

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From  Nathan Thrall, senior analyst with the Middle East and North Africa Program of the International Crisis Group. 

 

“There is a feeling that if there really is no hope for the peace process, the best thing they can have is an Israeli government that will advance its own isolation.”

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The road ahead will be rough, but they may be right.   Doing more of the same and hoping for a different outcome is a formula for failure . . . . as well as the definition of insanity.

Ralph