American Stalemate in Palestine

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that he discussed plans with the Americans to annex the West Bank settlements while the White House denied any such discussion. The issue remains pending, though everything on the ground seems to confirm Israel’s frantic effort to expand and annex settlements while the time is ripe. The Americans have lost credibility on the Palestinian issue because of their blatant bias toward occupation policies, despite claiming neutrality in their desire to mediate.

From Moscow, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced that the Palestinians would not cooperate with the United States, the sole supporter of the Israelis, unless several parties are involved. The Palestinian position reflects a deep sense of bitterness about recent American decisions, including President Donald Trump’s recognition of occupied Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and its removal from negotiations. Their continual support for the Israeli occupation in the West Bank eliminates a potential Palestinian state and the possibility for peace.

It is noteworthy that the accelerated pace of occupation sabotaged agreements signed in Oslo. This cannot go on without rejecting international legitimacy and subverting the United Nations and other major countries. An extremist like Netanyahu sees Trump as a supporter and does not miss an opportunity, but the U.S. president seems to be reviewing many of his positions given his recent “light” criticism of Tel Aviv.

If the U.S. wants to change its position, it would be in its best interests. Though difficult, it would restore confidence in the region and resolve the impasse in Palestine. Nearly 70 days after President Trump’s fateful decision on Jerusalem, the United States has found itself isolated in the international community and rejected by Arabs and Muslims with regard to the holy city. The Palestinians gained much international sympathy after the U.S. offered absolute support for Israel. Some countries remained neutral, but when the U.N. General Assembly voted, it sided with the Palestinians and refused to bargain. Some superpowers such as China and Russia, which share the Palestinians’ opinion about the “dishonest” American mediator, withstood pressure and threats from Washington and committed themselves to boycotting U.S. officials from Vice President Mike Pence to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

The American bias toward Israel strongly hurts the Palestinians. Despite the “immunity” it gives to the occupation, it remains a temporary state. The Americans, according to experts, are retreating. The current world is made for new leaders. It seems that the Palestinians lack the time to do what needs to be done. They seek new leaders for peace because their oppression has worn their tolerance and patience thin.