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By SHERWIN POMERANTZ <\/p>\n
Sunday\u2019s vote by Israel\u2019s Cabinet to approve the release of 104 Palestinian terrorists with blood on their hands may have been the right move in the context of the re-started peace talks, but definitely at the wrong time.<\/p>\n
As a business person I enter into negotiations with prospective clients all the time in an effort to craft an agreement that addresses the needs of both of us: the client\u2019s need to have work done to his\/her satisfaction and our need to be properly compensated for the work we do. \u00a0But we never enter into a negotiation by saying to the other party, \u201cDon\u2019t worry, whatever we agree upon at the end of the day we will give you an additional 10% off the final price.\u201d \u00a0That would just be a stupid and irresponsible tactic that simply sets the wrong tone for the negotiation from the \u201cget go.\u201d<\/p>\n
And yet, this is exactly what Israel is asked to do time and time again and, sadly, to which we also agree time and time again.<\/p>\n
The demand by the Palestinians that we release long-held prisoners is part of a long list of demands that are made every time we speak about returning to the negotiating table. \u00a0These also include negotiations based on the 1967 borders, a cessation of building in communities over the Green Line, as well as a relaxation of check points which we operate in the interests of our own security but which they see as blocking their free movement. \u00a0But why do we need to continue acceding to these demands as a pre-condition to negotiation? \u00a0It just does not make sense.<\/p>\n
What we could have done, and which would have been more palatable to the great bulk of us who want to believe in peace but are justifiably wary of the long term intentions of the other side, is to agree to the release in principle dependent on the conclusion of an agreement. \u00a0We understand the demand and clearly are willing to release these 104 people in the framework of some peace agreement and a cessation of the conflict, but not as a good will gesture before the talks even begin. \u00a0We have already made enough good will gestures that have gotten us nowhere.<\/p>\n
Now some will say, well, we had no choice because the pressure from the US was too intense and in the face of growing isolation from the EU we had to do this. \u00a0Yet, those same elements that pressure us exert no pressure on the other side.<\/p>\n
Witness the statement made by Palestinian President Abbas in a briefing Monday to Egyptian journalists in Cairo: \u00a0\u201cIn a final solution, we would not see the presence of a single Israeli \u2013 civilian or soldier \u2013 on our lands.\u201d \u00a0So much for a quid-pro-quo in response to the vote of Israel\u2019s Cabinet to authorize the release of those 104 prisoners. \u00a0We know all too well, as does Abbas (whose doctoral dissertation was a treatise on Holocaust denial) what the words \u201cfinal solution\u201d conveys and we dare not be lulled into a false sense of security once again.<\/p>\n
Israel\u2019s Cabinet led by our Prime Minister made a tactical error in agreeing to the release in advance of the talks. The fact that our most important ally in the world was clearly the catalyst that made this happen should give us all cause for concern.<\/p>\n
Carol Frohlinger of Negotiating Women Inc., often remarks: \u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t bargain yourself down before you get to the table.\u201d \u00a0Too bad our leadership has not learned that as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sherwin Pomerantz is a 30 year resident of Israel, president of Atid EDI Ltd., an economic development consulting firm and a past national president of the Association of Americans & Canadians in Israel.<\/em><\/span> <\/p>\n