Preparing today for tomorrow

While it is quite clear that there will be no negotiations between Israel and Palestine as long as Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Mahmoud Abbas are in power. The level of zero trust between two neighboring leaders is at a low point and the amount of animosity that exists between the Israeli public and the Palestinian public leaves little room for negotiation, even if the leaders really wanted to negotiate, and they didn't.

Because of the correct perception of regional and world leaders, from the United States and the European Union to China and Russia, that there is no chance for any real negotiations between Israel and Palestine, the entire issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is off the international agenda. The United States will not lead a new peace process in the Middle East at any time in the foreseeable future, nor will any member state of the European Union. The regional partners, near and far, Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Bahrain and Morocco are also well aware that there is no opportunity for potential constructive engagement at this time to bring Israel and Palestine to the negotiating table.

They are all working overtime in the hope that a new outbreak of violence between Israel and Palestine will not lead to instability within their public and will allow continued security cooperation with Israel while maintaining public support for the Palestinian people, especially Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa.

But the time will come when neither Netanyahu nor Abbas, or both, will rule anymore. Whether they are viewed as good or bad leaders by their people, no leader should serve as long as they are in office. Israel, which considers itself a democracy, should easily understand the words Netanyahu himself said in the past that no leader should serve more than two terms in office. The Palestinian people demand democracy and demand elections, and with all due respect, Mahmoud Abbas is not the only Palestinian capable and deserving of the leadership of the Palestinian people. Eventually Palestine will have a new leader. So that day will come when there will be new leaders in the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem and in the Muqataa in Ramallah. Those who understand that at some point Israel and Palestine will have to return to the negotiating table must understand the need to prepare today for tomorrow. Despite the desire and actions of some ministers in the current government of Israel, there will be no second Nakba and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will not leave their homes and become refugees outside of Palestine. Although some Palestinians would like Israel to suddenly disappear or the Jews to be pushed out to sea, this will not happen either. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict will not go away, and with the passage of time the prospects for an amicable solution will become more difficult. This is the reality that the next generation of Israeli and Palestinian leaders will have to confront.

When the time comes and new leaders are here, there may also be a time when international pressure gains strength and persuasion - the United States, the European Union or nearby Arab countries may use carrots and sticks to bring the two warring parties to the table. But even before that time comes, if it ever comes, I suggest that people who see themselves as potential future leaders in Israel and Palestine, and in the region, begin a process of calm discussions, back-channel mentoring, and developing the knowledge that will prove themselves to be such. Very useful in the future. Through these back channels, each side will learn what is necessary for their counterparts on the other side to receive in order to gradually change public opinion to be more conducive to returning to negotiations. A gradual trust-building process could be developed that could be in the form of public statements or actions that could enhance these people's chances of ascending to positions of power while at the same time rebuilding a sense of hope among the people that peace, an end to the occupation and an end to the conflict could one day become a reality. the days. I suggest that future Israeli leaders also consider ways to talk to some of the Palestinian leaders who may be sitting in Israeli prisons. Arab countries that have signed peace agreements with Israel can use their leverage with Israel and the Palestinians who can be best assisted in this process within the regional circle of peace.

I have run many secret back channels between Israelis and Palestinians over the past decades. People here on both sides say that it is impossible to keep these channels secret. If the participants are really interested in keeping the channel confidential, it is entirely possible to do so. I know this from personal experience. Covert back channels are the best way forward because they provide deniability. They can also be used to test ideas and proposals for how to move forward in the final negotiations. They also provide a good platform to help each other shape messages and actions that have the potential to influence the most positive public opinion regarding future peace possibilities. When it becomes clear on both sides that the public's general sense is that there are no partners for peace on the other side, it is important to start breaking through the walls of despair and begin to sow the seeds of hope.