Tzipi Livni, the recently elected leader of Kadima Party, has failed to form a government. In her way stood the ultraorthodox Shas Party, whose condition for joining the Livni-led government was that Jerusalem remains non-negotiable.

There were other reasons that prevented Livni from assembling enough support for a government, but the future and status of Jerusalem is the issue on which Israelis remain divided.

Not that Kadima or Livni are dramatically at odds with Shas, when it comes to the holy city, but the mere fact that Kadima refuses to make the status of the city absolutely non-negotiable during any peace talks with the Palestinians has led to Livni’s failure.

Israel is thus heading for snap elections, most probably on February 10. The hardline Likud, led by former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is a strong contender to Kadima; many observers are already forecasting a Likud victory.

Recent polls in Israel, however, suggest that Kadima may have an edge over Likud. Still, a win by Kadima would not secure a unity government unless it gains enough seats in the Knesset to enable it to forge alliances with like-minded political splinter parties.

From a Palestinian and Arab perspective, the fact that there are Israeli factions that so strongly oppose sharing Jerusalem with the Palestinians is telling. Without sharing Jerusalem, there can be no peace between the two sides.

Outgoing Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert has warned that an undivided Jerusalem under Israeli control would deny his people the safety they so desire.

One can only hope that the Israelis will come to realise that a state of perpetual belligerence and obdurate positions cannot ensure their security. That only a just settlement to their problem with the Palestinians, as prescribed by international law, can guarantee that they and the future generations will enjoy the fruits of peace.