The New Diplomatic Mantra: Peace for Peace

Apparently the return of a sense of conviction and strength from Israel's new ruling coalition has made some parties very nervous. Some elements of the mass media are desperately trying to present this assertive stance in a poor light.

You can bet the inevitable violence that the Palestinians unceasingly direct towards the Israeli civilian population will be held to be the result of this 'refusal to bend (read buckle)'

AP has quickly jumped on the 'Israeli the peace breakers' bandwagon, as this article shows.
Re: Netanyahu pledges to produce peace policy soon

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said his government would immediately get to work on Mideast peace issues, promising to present a diplomatic agenda in the coming weeks.

Apparently within a week of forming a government your expected to have a comprehensive peace plan that covers all the opinions of your wide coalition. I think considering it has taken over a month to form a Government it might be safe to say it might take just over a week to form a consensual platform to negotiate peace from.

Speaking at the first meeting of his Cabinet, Netanyahu said he planned to appoint an inner Cabinet on Sunday to deal with the nation's most pressing security and political issues. "In the coming weeks, we shall complete our policy guidelines for progress on peace and security," he said.

Despite the media's portrayal of the Government being against peace, the real difference is this Government isn't going to persist in continuous compromises which are never rewarded and simply weaken Israel's position both strategically and militarily.

Netanyahu has sent mixed signals about his diplomatic program in recent weeks. Elected on a platform highly critical of his predecessor's peace talks with the Palestinians, he took a softer line when he was sworn into office last week, telling parliament he would pursue a "full peace" with the Arab and Muslim world

Remember when Israel was being called upon to negotiate with Hamas, who refuse to actually even acknowledge the existence of Israel? Well now with the new Israeli government only just coming into power we have this gem from Associated Press.

"However, Netanyahu has given few details about his program and has so far refused to endorse the idea of an independent Palestinian state. Palestinian independence is a cornerstone of U.S. policy in the Mideast, and the Palestinians have said that if Netanyahu does not commit to a two-state solution, there is no point in negotiating."

Its almost sickening to see the Palestinians play the 'we really want peace card', the simple fact is its hard to believe some one is sincerely wanting peace whilst they're firing Katushas every day towards civilians.

In another article discussing the controversial approach (refreshing to some) by Avigdor Lieberman towards any future negotiations, written by Matti Freeman for AP :
Ex-foreign minister: Israel not a peace partner

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Lieberman's remarks were an insult to the world powers pushing for peace.

"He has slammed the door in the face of the U.S. and the international community," Erekat said. "It seems to me that this is President Obama's first real test."

Of all the people to talk about insults to world powers in the pursuit of peace Saeb Erekat takes the cake.

Its not enough that Tzipi Livni was giving concession after concession away in the recent peace negotiations, now she's actively undermining the position of the new coalition in future peace negotiations. Where does political point scoring become less important than Israel's future in any peace deals?

Two notable quotes from Lieberman:

"Netanyahu's hard-line foreign minister, Avigdor Lieberman, raised additional concerns on his first day in office when he dismissed as meaningless the past year of U.S.-led peace negotiations and said concessions to the Palestinians only invite war."

and the best quote to be heard this week:

Peace for Peace!

References:
AP: Netanyahu pledges to produce peace policy soon
AP : Ex-foreign minister: Israel not a peace partner
Picture Credit: Cox & Forkum

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