Peace is often harder to declare than war. It takes an instant to declare war, but generations to make peace. In the case of Israel and the Arabs it's been three generations. More than enough time.
It also takes a brave and strong individual to declare peace. Israel has had many brave leaders, but only two – so far – brave enough to venture on the road to peace: Menachem Begin and Ariel Sharon.
Both prime ministers, both from Likud, both also very controversial. Begin, first for his past activities in the Jewish resistance during Israel's fight for independence, and then for allowing himself to be talked into invading Lebanon in 1982. It was his minister of defense, Ariel Sharon, who did the convincing. The Lebanon war was Israel's longest and costliest.
Ariel Sharon for being in charge as minister of defense and in that capacity responsible for the region under his control and allowing members of the Christian Lebanese militias to enter two Palestinian refugee camps, Sabra and Shatila, and commit a massacre.
But it was also at the same time these two men who opened the door to peace with Israel's Arab neighbors. Begin returned the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt in exchange for recognition and peace with Egypt. Sharon pulled out of Gaza.
Now will Benyamin Netanyahu demonstrate similar courage and gusto?
Talking to the media immediately after announcing the formation of his cabinet, Netanyahu promised to remain a "partner in peace with the Palestinians."
The problem with the leaders in the Middle East – both Israelis and Palestinians - is that they engage in a wicked game of doublespeak. They say something such as 'we remain partners for peace…. But.' There is always this 'but' that sidetracks any attempt at negotiation.
Why not declare openly, unequivocally and without reservation, and on the record, "we remain partners in peace, without precondition"?
And likewise, the Palestinian leadership needs to get its house in order and respond to an extended hand, much as they may not like that hand. So in the same way, the Palestinians need to state clearly that negotiations with one's enemy are done on the basis that one wishes to ultimately reach a peaceful solution.
Regretfully, this has not been the case on either side. They say one thing in public and another completely different thing in private. They will say one thing in English and another very different thing in Arabic or in Hebrew.
Enough is enough. The people are tired of war, of the killing, and of the hatred. Mr. Netanyahu, show Israel, its neighbors and the world that you are strong. Do so, not by declaring war, but by waging peace. Then, history will remember you in a far more memorable way. Shalom and Salam.
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