Dr. Michal Yaari: Israel will not bear responsibility if no Palestinian
State results from embracing a “political horizon”

Dr. Michal Yaari is an academic faculty member in the Department of Middle
East Studies at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and a recognized expert
and lecturer on Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states (with additional teaching
affiliations at other Israeli universities).
[Translation of Hebrew]

From: Dr. Aaron Lerner
Sent: Wednesda, July 22, 2026
To: Dr. Michal Yaari
Subject: Potential Risks Inherent in the Use of a “Political Horizon”
vis-à-vis Arab States

Hello Dr. Yaari,

My name is Dr. Aaron Lerner, editor of IMRA (Independent Media Review &
Analysis).

I wish to raise an analytical question concerning the use of the concept of
a “political horizon” within the framework of relations with Arab states
(particularly Saudi Arabia).

This question does not concern whether the establishment of a sovereign
Palestinian state serves Israel’s national interest. I explicitly request
that we refrain from entering into that discussion.

My question is as follows:

When Israel enters into a relationship with an Arab state on the basis of a
commitment (or a strong implication) to a “political horizon” understood as
a pathway that ultimately leads to a sovereign Palestinian state - does
there exist a tangible risk that, should such a state not be established in
the future, frustration and a sense of “breach of commitment” will arise on
the Arab side, potentially producing a more adverse outcome than if Israel
had never indicated such a pathway from the outset?

In other words: What considerations ought a policymaker to weigh in
conducting a cost-benefit analysis of employing a “political horizon” as a
diplomatic instrument, irrespective of his or her principled position on the
question of a Palestinian state?

I would be most grateful if you could address this question.

Should you agree, I would be pleased to share your response with the
readership of IMRA (citing your name and with your consent).

With thanks in advance,
Dr. Aaron Lerner

From: Dr. Michal Yaari
Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2026
To: Dr. Aaron Lerner
Subject: Potential Risks Inherent in the Use of a “Political Horizon”
vis-à-vis Arab States

Hello Aaron,
It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

The Israeli and Saudi interests are identical: not the establishment of a
Palestinian state under any circumstances, but rather the establishment of a
Palestinian state only when pragmatic and effective leadership exists that
is both capable and competent to construct a viable state, accompanied by
economic and other forms of assistance from the United States and Arab
states, foremost among them the Gulf states.

The objective is not the creation of a Palestinian state destined to fail,
but rather a state headed by a leadership that is able to function
effectively.

Israel will not bear responsibility should this project ultimately fail.

Michal



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