In order to limit the possibility of armed militants in the territories renewing the cycle of violence and dragging Israel into a response, Israel should aim to coordinate the principles of the ceasefire with Palestinian parties that have enforcement capabilities. It will not be possible to progress towards achieving these objectives without security coordination with an extended Palestinian representative body, which also includes Hamas representation.
Direct talks with Hamas, before the conditions set by Israel and the Quartet are met by the movement’s leadership, will undoubtedly encounter public opposition and will be interpreted in the international arena as a change in policy that invites rescinding the boycott. However, the Israeli government should weigh the significance of these impediments against the cost of another round of violence. Read more>>
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