DFM Ayalon on recent recognition of Palestinian state

DFM Ayalon: Unilateral steps are creating a bubble of expectation for the
Palestinians. We can see an obvious connection to the recent spate of
recognition and a hardening of the Palestinian position

(Communicated by Bottom of Form the Bureau of DFM Ayalon)

Today (Tuesday, 25th January), Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon reacted
to the recent recognition of a Palestinian state by Peru and the upgrade of
the Palestinian Authority delegation to Ireland to embassy status.

"Unfortunately, while these unilateral declarations are largely meaningless
on the ground and destructive for negotiations, they do contribute to the
bubble of expectation that is growing amongst the Palestinian leadership,"
Ayalon said. "However, we all know that bubbles eventually burst and it is
negligent to contribute to this unsustainable policy."

"Every free gift the Palestinians receive from the international community
contributes to their recalcitrance and maximalist strategy. We can see an
obvious connection to the recent spate of recognition and a hardening of the
Palestinian position."

The Deputy Foreign Minister calls on the international community to assist
the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table. "Every nation which
would like to assist peace and security in our region should think deeply
about how it can contribute to these important goals," Ayalon continued.
"Only a negotiated solution will allow the Palestinians to achieve their
national aspirations, so anything that makes the Palestinians think they can
get more by staying away from the negotiating table is harmful to peace."

Ayalon also addressed the Palestinian tactics. "If the Palestinians would
expend one tenth of the effort towards meaningful negotiations that they use
to push for largely meaningless one-sided declarations and political warfare
in multilateral forums then we could have actually moved a long way in
negotiations."