Historically, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be lauded for taking one big, important step towards world peace by affirming, just last Sunday, the statehood of Palestine. In his speech, Netanyahu called on the Palestinian government to “begin peace negotiations…” and for other Arab nations to support and help bring the Palestine-Israel conflict to closure. However, what remains to be seen is how this development will be welcomed on the other side of the negotiating table. With the softening of Israel’s stance, the world community can only hope for a more stable and peaceful Middle East.

In his speech, the Israeli Prime Minister said: “In my vision, there are two free peoples living side by side each with other, each with its own flag and national anthem…” However, Netanyahu’s pronouncement was not as welcome as it was hoped for the Palestinians. His offer for the resumption of peace negotiations was criticized for asserting preconditions that have already been placed by previous Israeli leaders for discussion. Quoting Netanyahu in his speech he said: “If we get this guarantee for demilitarization and necessary security arrangements for Israel, and if the Palestinians recognize Israel as the state of the Jewish people, we will be willing in a real peace agreement to reach a solution of a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside a Jewish state.” Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat was quoted saying: “Netanyahu wants to put us in a situation where he looks like he offered something, and we said no… Netanyahu’s speech was very clear. He rejects the two-state solution.” Judging from how Palestine received Netanyahu’s invitation, this one important step towards world peace is blocked early on by vagueness and preconceptions.

We do not wish to conclude at this point that the situation had once again reached a deadlock. Other Arab nations, as Netanyahu had said, and the United States, play important roles in advancing this development further. It is, after all, because of Israel’s intent to strengthen its relationships with the Obama administration that the Jewish nation extended the offer of peace talks with Palestine. The world community and particularly the United States should now convince other Middle East countries that the creation of a Palestinian state would provide long lasting solutions to regional as well as global peace. The United States should ensure that sparks of hope for world peace and stability like the one kindled by Israel continue to light up, for the lives both Palestinians and Israelis, as well as the rest of the world community. (Email address: myrfnt@yahoo.com)