Reversal of order

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has always been regarded at the root of all regional problems, one whose resolution would help solve many other crises in the area.

The Israeli stance, however, has become even more intransigent in the wake of the rising threats of Daesh and appearance of other extremist and radical groups in the Middle East.

There was a time when Israel seemed to be on the point of reaching a deal with the Palestinians, offering them most of the West Bank to form their state.

This position has changed after the rise of extremism in the area.

With neighbouring Syria and Iraq now fertile ground for radicalism and terrorism, and with insecurity spreading to the far reaches of the Arab world, Israel feels less secure.

In other words, the regional climate for the resolution of the Palestinian problem has worsened.

Israel has always expressed exaggerated fears of neighbouring Arab states, but felt confident enough that the Arab world around it does not pose a real threat to its security.

Unfortunately, the worsening security situation in the Middle East offered Israel an excuse to put premium on its immediate security rather than on its long-term safety and stability.

This could explain in part the hardening of the Israeli position vis-à-vis peace with the Palestinians. 

Not that peace talks between the two sides were ever fruitful or constructive, but there were rare occasions when Israel was offering some partial peace deal. 

Instead of being at the heart of the regional crises, thanks to Daesh and the Arab Spring, the Palestinian problem now trail the list of regional conflicts.

It seems that winning the war against Daesh and its ilk is necessary if the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis is to be revived.