And who said the Palestinians aren’t partners for peace?
Assuming the reporting is accurate and that the Palestinians are actually willing (and able) to follow through on their offer, a report in today’s Wall Street Journal suggests the Palestinian Authority is willing to give up double the land it offered in the past to former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. If accurate, this would be a major concession, even though it doesn’t address some other sticking points, such as Jerusalem or the right of return.
This offer comes as Israeli and Palestinian officials have embarked on proximity talks — instead of direct negotiations — with Obama envoy George Mitchell. Those talks are largely viewed as unlikely to spur an agreement and merely a show by Israelis and Palestinians to appease the White House.
However, the Obama administration and Israeli officials may see this as an empty offer, primarily because the Palestinians do not think Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is willing to concede very much for peace, thereby any offers from the Palestinians would never have to be enacted.
Therefore, as I’ve said before, call the Palestinian bluff — make peace, take concessions, agree to compromises and, if the Palestinians cannot follow though, Israel can prove that they are the true impediments to peace.