Prof Kobi Michael of INSS responds to Palestinian Sovereignty Dilemma Question

Sent: Monday, July 6, 2026
From: Dr. Aaron Lerner
To: Prof Kobi Michael
RE: Question relating to "Time to Break the Strategic Limbo: Israel's Core Challenge"

Dear Prof. Kobi Michael,

I read "Time to Break the Strategic Limbo: Israel’s Core Challenge" (INSS Insight No. 2163, July 5, 2026) with great interest.
http://www.inss.org.il/publication/strategic-limbo/

How do you see addressing the challenge that the moment that a sovereign Palestinian state with delineated borders truly gains international status as a sovereign state that it retains that status even if it openly reneges on the commitments and arrangements which lead to it receiving this status.

This challenge may not trouble Israeli “checker players” pleased with the excellent security arrangements in place as the Prime Minister of Israel and the head of Palestine sign an agreement for mutual recognition of the two sovereign states on the White House lawn.

But the Palestinian “chess players” would patiently pick away at these arrangements and prepare, with their allies, for the day that Palestinian sovereignty is ultimately exploited to bring about the destruction of Israel.

Best regards,
Dr. Aaron Lerner – IMRA
PS: I would like to share your reply on IMRA – you can reply in Hebrew if you prefer and I will translate it.

Sent: Monday, July 6, 2026
From: Kobi Michael
To: Dr. Aaron Lerner
Subject: Re: Question relating to "Time to Break the Strategic Limbo: Israel's Core Challenge"

Dear Dr. Lerner,

There is a very long way until reaching an independent Palestinian state if at all. I reject the Palestinian demands and definitions regarding their statehood and independence and I believe there is no need and ripeness to deal with that at this stage. I was talking about initiating moves that will improve the current situation that will be a sort of strategic compass and will enable the Saudis to return to the normalization process as part of a broad regional vision where the Palestinian issue will make the Arab states responsible to it and it will not be left only as an Israeli concern. They created the problem so they have the responsibility to be part of the solution, the burden should not remain on the ISRAELI SHOULDERS ONLY.
Kobi



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