- Prof. Efraim Inbar
- Paper No. 83
In his diplomatic address at the BESA Center, Netanyahu successfully
redefined the Israeli consensus and became a mainstream political leader.
Perspectives Papers
Perspectives Papers provide analysis from BESA Center research associates and other outside experts on the most important issues pertaining to Israel and the Middle East.
- Dr. Tsilla Hershco
- Paper No. 82
Netanyahu and Sarkozy resemble each other in their charismatic
leadership, their dynamic capitalist approach and their global view of
security threats. But they differ sharply on settlements, Jerusalem, and more.
- Prof. Stuart A. Cohen
- Paper No. 81
Netanyahu’s real purpose seems to be procrastination and shifting the onus of progress onto the Palestinians. This strategy could backfire, as other parties fill the diplomatic vacuum with proposals of their own. Netanyahu’s insistence on demilitarization opens the door to demands for mutual demilitarization.
- Prof. Jonathan Rynhold
- Paper No. 80
The speech represents a political success for Netanyahu, as he managed to improve relations with the US while simultaneously keeping his governing coalition intact. But down the line he will need a national unity government to make difficult decisions on settlements and more.
- Prof. Jonathan Rynhold
- Paper No. 79
Obama’s "soft power" approach cannot form the basis for a sound, workable American strategy in the Middle East. The speech lacked resolve regarding the most urgent problem for Israel and America's other regional allies – the imminent threat of Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
- Ben-Dror Yemini
- Paper No. 78
Jews in Arab countries suffered a catastrophe many times greater than
that of 1948 Palestinian refugees: a Jewish "Nakba" of historic
proportions. But while Jews healed their wounds, Palestinians have
preferred bleeding to rehabilitation and created an industry of lies to
propagate the myth of "Nakba."
- Dr. Josef Joffe
- Paper No. 77
While Israel is an ideal partner, Israeli membership in NATO will not happen for various reasons. Israel will lose important freedom of action, while the EU and NATO are reluctant to expand into the Middle East.
- Lt. Col. (res.) Dr. Mordechai Kedar
- Paper No. 76
Hizballah is on a determined path to control Lebanon. The June 2009
parliamentary elections could be a watershed, leading to a result that the West will deeply regret – an Iranian-like regime.
- Prof. Efraim Inbar
- Paper No. 75
Obama’s intention to "engage" countries like Iran and Syria in order to
start a "new page" in bilateral relations strike most Israelis and Mideast Arabs as naïve. Both the Arabs and Israel want to see Iran and its proxies rolled back, not appeased, by Washington.
- Prof. Efraim Inbar
- Paper No. 74
Ehud Olmert failed to move Israel forward either in confronting or negotiating with the Palestinians. He lurched from unilateralism, to
negotiations, to military conflict with the Palestinians, and failed in all three tracks. His failure to deal effectively with Hamas is the most serious.