Hardly is there any news these days about talks to end the discord between Hamas and Fatah that would pave the way for the formation of a unity government to be followed by parliamentary elections. Even mediators, like Egypt and Turkey, seem to be showing little interest in the matter. Have the leaders of these two countries become fed up since the discussions seem to be interminable with no results to show for the pain? In fact, Egypt had come up with a new suggestion that involves having two separate governments, one in Gaza and the other in the West Bank until parliamentary elections. How effective that will be in tackling countless issues bedeviling the Palestinians remains to be seen.

Almost all, with the exception of the Israelis and the Americans and their allies, have given unqualified support to a unity government. Of course, Israel fears that a unity government will make the Palestinians more formidable. Moreover, Hamas is a force to reckon with and Israel has every reason to fear it, both on the battlefield and on the negotiating table. So, the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would explore every avenue to ensure that a unity government does not assume power. Until now, things seem to be going the way Netanyahu wants with all attempts at unity not bearing results. But this situation cannot last for much longer as it makes the Palestinians vulnerable and weaker at a time when Israel is moving ahead with the building of new settlements and the expansion of old ones in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The Israelis are thoroughly exploiting the disarray in Palestinians ranks and hastily moving ahead with plans to build new settlements. The Israelis must also be happy that President Barack Obama, currently engaged in a desperate bid for re-election, does not have the time or the inclination to deal with the Middle East conflict. As a result, the Israelis have the latitude to do what they desire. At the moment, the Israelis may think they are having their way but in the long run such an attitude is bound to hurt them.

The Israelis are obsessed with their security. But ensuring that the Palestinians do not get what is rightfully theirs and by snatching whatever little they have at present, the Israelis are only jeopardising their own security. It’s time they woke up to the reality that is staring them in the face. They must understand that the Palestinians have the right to form their state that does not have to heed the dictates of others and is not restrained in any way. The Israelis must also realise that Palestinian unity offers the best way to achieve peace. A peace that is the result of Palestinians unity alone can be a durable peace ensuring Israel’s security.