Israel and Palestine go to Washington. This certainly looks familiar. I believe that it is Ground Hog Day once again. I would love to be wrong. I would welcome peace between the Palestinians and Israelis and would gladly be more than willing to eat my share of crow.
Is this though possible? What essentially has changed? Not much. Why now? I think for the same reason it always brings Israel to the table. I would hazard to guess International pressure, growing isolation or the EU's recent policies delineating between Israel from the territory it has brutally occupied for well over four decades and the international consensus that the two State solution is dead and buried. The one thing that Bibi wants less than a two state solution is a one state solution with equal rights for all of its citizens with a quickly growing Palestinian majority. Let's face it, it can't really again go fly over Gaza with helicopters and fighter jets dropping one ton bombs on the heads of the Palestinians. I wouldn't be surprised though if Israel announced the approval of building more settlements just prior to departing for the United States, arrogantly claiming, "this has nothing to do with the peace process and does nothing to undermine it". The US will mouth the words of their "great disappointment", the Palestinians will again be publicly flogged. Everyone knows their role so well, they don't even need to have a dress rehearsal. Who else is Israel, unless they are being failed by the peace process, the United States, the world, further solidifying their martyrdom and perfect victimhood?
I hate to be a naysayer, but we have all seen this particular dance before, just the song has changed, but the bride and groom remain the same. This seems to be Israel's Hail Mary pass, or get out of jail free card. Nothing of substance will take place, Israel will be further perfected in its perpetual victimhood, the Palestinians will held up to be Wiley Coyote, portrayed as crazed, deranged, barbaric and don't forget, unreasonable Arabs.
Unless the Israeli side of the equation has had a change of heart or a complete brain transplant and is willing to view the conflict through the lens and framework of International law, the chance of this blessed event occurring is slim to none. To my knowledge, Israel has not stopped looking at the West Bank and East Jerusalem as items on a spoiled, overindulged child's Santa list.
The United States will certainly attempt to portray itself as an "honest broker" while cursing Israel's folly under their breath, but publicly blaming the Palestinians for undermining the peace proceess and "missing yet again another opportunity for peace". Different day, same old shit.