IT appears, according to statements made by Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak that Israel is preparing to revive a proposal for a Palestinian state defined by temporary borders. While this “temporary” state is in existence, the two sides would negotiate on various issues, the agreement on which would lead to a permanent state. The Palestinians have rejected this idea before. They should examine it thoroughly — especially the context in which it will be offered — before outright rejecting it, this time. At first glance, however, contradictions abound. First off, Israel is feeling the heat, justified or not, from the political turmoil that has swept through some of the Arab world. The fall of the Mubarak government in Egypt is especially critical to Israel as it has prompted fears that a new Egyptian government will abrogate its peace treaty with Tel Aviv. The new pressure, Israel thinks, should translate into a request to the US for an additional $20 billion in military aid. That's not chump change, and the only way the Israelis expect the US to agree is if Israel makes a “bold move.” The proposal — at this point, at least — appears more a smoke screen for Israeli armament acquisition than a serious move for peace. A temporary state is, almost by definition, an experiment. After more than 60 years of Israeli oppression of Palestinians, further experimenting with the lives of the oppressed is unacceptable. The proposal also borders on the absurd. Only after the establishment of temporary borders would the two sides discuss the resolution of key elements of the conflict such as the competing claims for Jerusalem and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. How is that different from the current status quo? Once again, Israel would be pulling the strings, determining whether the temporary borders are to its liking and making the changes it thinks are necessary. Sometimes, it is necessary to take what one can get when negotiating with a strong partner. It is entirely unclear, however, if taking this is taking anything, at all. __
