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Another ominous chapter

Jan 03,2018 - Last updated at Jan 03,2018

The recent  decision of the ruling Israeli far-right political party to annex all Israeli settlements built in the West Bank by an overwhelming majority vote adds, yet, another ominous chapter to the series of Israeli provocations and threats to the peace process with the Palestinians. 

According to Israel’s  own census sources, more than half a million Israelis live in Jewish settlements in the West Bank and more than half of them make 121 so-called “authorised settlements”  their home over and above those who admittedly live in unauthorised outposts.  

What adds insult to injury is the fact that nearly 200,000 Israelis live in East Jerusalem. It is a foregone conclusion that when the  right-wing Likud Party  takes such a decision, the government of Israel  under the leadership of the Likudist Benjamin Netanyahu will concur  in due course. 

This newest move by Israel drives the last nail into the coffin of the peace process or what is left of it! 

Of course, US President Donald Trump remains silent in the wake of this latest episode on the Israeli-Palestinian front. 

The timing of the Likud announcement must have caught world leaders by surprise, coming as it did between Christmas and the New Year’s celebrations, Likud must have thought that catching the world while it is napping would offer it the best chance to overcome any opposition or criticism that may ensue from the international community. 

Of course, the Palestinian side can only make “noise” at the UN and its main organs to protest against this latest Israeli escalation of tensions. 

Then came last Tuesday’s Knesset approval of a legislation making it literally impossible to “cede” parts of Jerusalem to the Palestinians in any final status talks. 

 

Any glimmer of hope to resuscitate the peace process is now doomed.

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