Weekly Commentary: Why Netanyahu Can’t Give Abbas A Map Before Direct Talks
Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 1 July 2010

When Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu explains that he can’t draw a map
before first reaching an understanding regarding conditions on the ground he
isn’t engaging in delaying tactics.

He is being responsible.

That’s because the lines on that map are very much a function of the
conditions on the ground.

Mahmoud Abbas (aka Abu Mazen) is calling for Netanyahu to provide him with
Israel’s map and security arrangement requirements before he enters into
direct talks.

At first glance this demand doesn’t necessarily conflict with Netanyahu’s
stand since, after all, the map would be explicitly predicated on the
acceptance of the security arrangement requirements Netanyahu presents along
with the map.

But only at first glance.

Because we all know what would happen the millisecond after Israel presented
a binder that included a map.

That’s right.

The map would be pulled out of the binder and take on a life of its own.

A life independent of the security arrangement requirements that accompanied
the map.

All the verbiage, graphics, etc., can’t prevent this from happening.

And in the absence of the security arrangements associated with it, the map
can’t possibly delineate anything coming close to being either secure or
stable lines.

Netanyahu knows this. And Abbas certainly knows this.

So it comes down to this:

If President Obama is serious about reaching a secure and stable arrangement
on the ground and not just a photo op signing ceremony he will support Prime
Minister Netanyahu’s insistence that the map is derived from direct talks
rather than presented as a prerequisite to talks.

Any other position will only serve to demonstrate that achieving a secure
and stable arrangement is, at best, only a secondary or tertiary goal for
the White House.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il