Yossi Beilin
Former Minister of Justice of Israel; Leading “Architect” of the Oslo Accords & the Geneva Initiative
Between two presidents: The next 75 days
Now, after Trump has been elected but before he is sworn in, outgoing President Biden can take significant actions and establish facts on the ground in the Middle East.
Enough with painting all Palestinians with a broad brush
To say that there is no difference between Hamas and the PLO under Fatah leadership is the ultimate way of saying that Israel is not prepared to talk to the Palestinian entity that recognized us, whose leader opposes the use of violence and believes in a two-state solution.
30 years after Oslo Accords, Israel still has a partner
One of the key players in the historic agreements reflects on how the momentous decisions came about and why giving up on their vision would be giving up on Zionism.
Israel should not discriminate Jews
The idea of limiting immigration to Israel to those with a Jewish parent and converts can only come from those who oppose Zionism.
The answer to Palestinian terrorism: elections
Operation Defensive Shield II will only exacerbate the violence and its price might be extremely high.
The question I did not have the courage to ask King Charles
I wanted to know whether he would annul the monarchy when he became king as once he ascends the throne it would to a great extent be up to him.
Being cautious never won anyone an election
With elections looming, Prime Minister Yair Lapid is hesitant to enter a diplomatic agreement with the Palestinians lest he be accused of being left-wing. But such a move would give hope to many who have lost faith in the possibility of peace.
Netanyahu's escape route runs through his Caesarea home
The opposition leader has not changed his opinion about far-right leaders Bezalel Smotrich or Itamar Ben Gvir, but he invited them into his Caesarea home, because he understands that his legal future lies in their hands.
A unified Zionist democratic faction could win
Now is the chance for Meretz, Labor, Yesh Atid, and the State Party, who do not largely differ in their stances, to unite and achieve victory in the upcoming elections.
A partner, or a unilateral move
There won't be a more pragmatic or moderate Palestinian leader than Mahmoud Abbas. Israel can negotiate with him, or draw its own border.
Mitzpe Kramim – another fake 'honest' mistake
Jewish law accounts for rare cases in which a person sells something belonging to someone else with honest intentions. Settlements are not an "honest mistake," and will cost us dearly.
The Left must unite
A situation in which Meretz takes from Labor, or vice versa, and Yesh Atid tries to draw votes away from them both would be the worst possible thing for the pro-peace, anti-Netanyahu camp.
Lapid is wrong about Israel being liberal
In his first address as prime minister, Yair Lapid chose to describe the State of Israel not only as "Jewish and democratic", but also as "liberal," which in his opinion is not a contradiction. Others beg to differ.
Being cautious is the last thing Lapid should do
If in the upcoming months, Lapid decides to walk on eggshells instead of making a concrete political promise, he will fail in his most important short-term political challenge: making sure supporters arrive at the voting booths.
A united front, or the game's up
The main thrust of the center-left camp should be persuading center-left supporters to vote, lest we wind up with a government that includes Netanyahu and Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Keep the yeshiva, stop the building
A compromise can give both the Left and the Right half of what they want in the West Bank.
Zoabi and Silman, resignation is the honorable next step
If Meretz MK Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi and Yamina MK Idit Silman don't want to partake in their parties' strategic decisions, they should make way for those who do.
The defense minister has got it all wrong
Instead of worrying about getting less recognition than he thinks he deserves, Defense Minister Benny Gantz should start spearheading this government and persuading Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to cease his policy of avoiding talks with Palestinian leaders.
Silman is only the beginning
The coalition chairwoman's departure will change the political landscape, and not necessarily as we might expect.
43 years wasted
Years ago, Answar Sadat said that Saudi Arabia would be the second Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel. That hasn't happened, but many other things have, and they came to fruition in the Negev this week.
How to end the conflict in Ukraine
It's not too late to stop the descent into darkness. Solutions can be found that meet both Moscow's and Kyiv's demands and prevent further violence.
Is the West strong enough to withstand Russia?
The Ukraine incursion will show whether the systems put in place after World War II to prevent precisely such attacks will succeed in bringing this conflict to an end as quickly as possible.
Turn the crisis into an opportunity
A clash between the world's superpowers will set the world back and cost dearly.
Fruit of the poisonous tree is not an option for Netanyahu
Even if it turns out that some evidence implicating former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was garnered illegally, it will not necessarily be inadmissible in an Israeli court.
Let's not write off spyware technology just yet
The main question regarding the NSO spyware scandal is how to ensure the delicate balance between protecting the rights of the individual and preserving public order.
The Knesset makes the laws, not the rabbinate
Every group within the Jewish people can decide whom it considers a Jew. But only the state can decide what the law says about it.
Bennett has to meet with Netanyahu
Not only do the prime minister and the opposition leader need to work things out, the law actually mandates that they meet at least once a month to discuss political issues.
Nothing can replace the country's judicial system
Anyone who wants justice in Israel would do well to turn to the systems in place and reject legal amateurism.
A commitment, but no commitment to implement
Israel should hand the area on which the four Samaria settlements evacuated in the 2005 disengagement stood over to the Palestinian Authority, rather than allowing it to stand empty and attract lawbreakers.
No easy way out for Israel and the PA
In the absence of a peace process, the only entity with a real interest in the dissolution of the PA is the Palestinian leadership, knowing full well that this is the last thing Israel wants.
Shin Bet tracking: Balancing caution and hysteria
There is a reason why the Shin Bet security agency resists the government's plan to have it track COVID patients who should be in quarantine – it's not this organization's job.
A chance for us to be heard
Israel would be better off rejoining UNESCO, so we could help reverse existing anti-Israel decisions and prevent the organization from making similar ones in the future, but there is no chance the Bennett-Lapid government will agree.
With growing executive power, term limits make sense
From 1992 to 2001, The Basic Law: The Government limited a prime minister's term in office to eight years. This is a reasonable timeframe.
Not just another envoy
By refusing to meet with one of the most influential figures in the Iran talks, Israel could be doing itself serious diplomatic harm and missing a chance to help change the deal.
Coalition leftists must prevent settler abuse of Palestinians
With all the uproar over Jordanian King Abdullah's statement in support of the establishment of a Palestinian state, one would think he was in the coalition.
Without Oslo, Israel would have no peace with Jordan
Whoever supports the Israel-Jordan peace treaty but opposes the Oslo Accords fails to understand that without a prior agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, Amman would not have gone through with the move.
What is unseen
There are advantages to making some government discussions public, but it comes at a heavy cost to the honesty of the debate.
If the Shin Bet can fight COVID, it can fight Arab crime
If fighting COVID is a vital enough natural interest to invest the Shin Bet security agency with special authority, then certainly fighting brutal and senseless violence in the Arab sector should be.
No need for tears
The Iron Dome vote exposed the harsh anti-Israel stance of some Democrats, but also Israel's Achilles heel – that it is an economically secure nation that is at the front of the line for US aid.
Playing with words
If Prime Minister Naftali Bennett sticks to his three "no's" about peace with the Palestinians, his UN speech will do more harm than good and he shouldn't bother making it.
From Washington to Ramallah – the truly important partner
The meeting between PM Naftali Bennett and US President Joe Biden was of less significance than Defense Minister Benny Gantz's meeting with PA leader Mahmoud Abbas.
There are no joyful withdrawals
The lesson America could learn from Afghanistan is that the attempt to create a defendable democracy in the Middle East out of nothing is pathetic and that close defense cooperation with Israel is the most important partnership the US has in the region.
Unity that hangs by a thread
Because the unity government needs the votes of every one of its members, it cannot afford to alienate anyone and must find solutions on which everyone can agree.
UN investigation? We must make our voice heard
Boycotting a probe into the events of Operation Guardian of the Walls will simply play into the hands of those who claim that Israel has nothing to say for itself.
No one has a monopoly on antisemitism
The Jewish people's bitter experience of antisemitism makes it possible for us to warn others and identify with other victims, which is exactly what Foreign Minister Yair Lapid did.
Judge Karra: Alone against everyone
The lone dissenting voice in a Supreme Court decision to reject petitions against the racist and needless nation-state law was an important one.
Will the Likud stick to its 'principles'?
Anyone who wants to naturalize 350,000 Arabs in east Jerusalem can't expect anyone to believe that preventing Palestinians from gaining residency status in Israel will solve the demographic problem.
Pride and failure: Netanyahu's handling of Iran
The biggest challenge now facing Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is not to step into Netanyahu's shoes, but rather to do the opposite and go back to high-level contact with the Biden administration.
Disgraceful behavior in the Knesset
The shouting by members of the Right and Haredim parties was not in response to the remarks of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, but rather a premeditated move aimed at keeping him from opening his mouth.
There will be disagreements, but goals can be met
f it isn't torpedoed at the last minute, the new government will want to prove itself and will have a clean slate when it starts to tackle foreign and domestic issues.
They slander the court, then wait for rescue
Despite claims by the Right, the Supreme Court intervenes very little in the legislative process. Now it could be the one to solve the Sheikh Jarrah crisis to everyone's satisfaction.
Coexistence: A patchwork quilt we have to protect
The British are gone, and we are responsible for the education, health, and welfare of the country's Arab citizens. We are unlikely to ever achieve perfect integration, but we must protect the ties that bind us together.
Fleeing a no-man's-land
It's only natural that the ministers whose offices are connected to the Meron disaster are disinclined to taint their CVs at the end of their terms. And State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman is not the man to run the probe.
Different opinions, a shared challenge
A government made up of members of the anti-Netanyahu bloc could be a rare opportunity to address major issues that are continually pushed aside because of personal or criminal considerations.
Netanyahu, the conspiracy theorist
The prime minister seems to genuinely believe that a long line of people he either appointed or played a central role in appointing in recent years have joined forces with the formidable Left and the media to carry out nothing short of an "attempted coup."
Meretz and Labor are stronger together
With a combined 14 Knesset seats, now is the time for Meretz and Labor to come together in a political faction that brings both parties increased political power.
A 5th election is not the solution
The radicals Netanyahu worked to bring into the Knesset to help him avoid a trial may wind up sticking around long after he is gone.
Rumors of the Left's demise have been greatly exaggerated
From Yesh Atid to Meretz, the center-left bloc has now garnered nearly 40 seats, and that's without taking the seats won by the Arab parties into consideration.
The hawks are rejoicing prematurely
A right-wing government alone will be very exposed to the world, including the Arab countries that recently normalized relations with Israel, and it could find itself in a diplomatic process contradictory to election promises.
Are these the first elections of 2021?
After the dust settles on the fourth Israeli elections in two years, Likud may have to make some hard decisions.
A question of morality
The state of the Jewish people does not have the moral authority to reject those who seek to become part of the Jewish people in a non-Orthodox manner.
Provocative and unnecessary
The JNF's decision to purchase West Bank lands is aimed solely at harming a future Israeli-Palestinians settlement. If there was a responsible adult in the region, they would have prevented it. Right now, unfortunately, no such person can be found.
Israel should cooperate with the ICC
Instead of seeing every judicial decision as an existential threat, Israel must present a united front with the US. If an investigation is opened, cooperate with the court, and explain everything there is to explain.
Politics of ideology – there still is such a thing
Thanks to new leader Merav Michaeli, the Labor Party might turn out to be the big surprise of the upcoming election.
A pointless, anachronistic trial
The Democrats will do better to invest their energy in executing their political agenda rather than impeaching Trump. Meanwhile, what could Russian President Vladimir Putin be thinking, and is this the end for Army Radio in its current format?
Jews must abide by the law of the land
The year of COVID has exposed an ongoing process in which some extremist elements in Haredi society outright reject the law. That has to change before Israel is engulfed in civil war.
Netanyahu hopes to play us for fools
After decades spent criticizing any of the Zionist parties that sought the sector's assistance, the prime minister is now willing to employ any means, including certifying the Arab vote as "kosher" to ensure he has a majority in the Knesset.
Jews based on nationality, not religion
The people who are doubtful about people immigrating to Israel and adopting citizenship thanks to Jewish forebears are the same people who claim that the "demographic problem" isn't a problem at all.
A legacy for the ages
Sheldon Adelson was deeply committed to ensuring Jewish youth have the chance to visit Israel and bond with it.
Looking for the right formula on the Left
The center-Left and left-wing parties have much to offer, if the right people run and the right people step down.
If Eizenkot forms a party, he mustn't skip this one step
He needs to meet with every single person recommended to him, speak with them at length, and inquire about their views on a broad range of issues so that he isn't caught off guard and so that his voters don't quickly start pulling their hairs out.
Trump's mistakes are Biden's opportunities
President Trump's controversial decisions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are turning into opportunities for the Biden administration.
A Palestinian patriot and man of peace
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat was a man who believed that peace and coordination with Israel are an important part of the realization of the Palestinian national interest. While he had very clear principles and adhered to the idea of a Palestinian state, he always understood the importance of diplomatic compromise.
An election? Trump is playing by his own rules
The American constitution, outdated and cumbersome as it is, determines who is elected president. It also gave Trump the presidency in 2016, even though his then-rival, Hillary Clinton, received 3 million more votes than him.
As former health minister, Netanyahu is responsible
PM Netanyahu held the health portfolio for longer than almost anyone else, and never did anything about the lack of hospital beds or the shortage of doctors and nurses.
A test of America's status as leader of free world
Donald Trump's stated refusal to step down if voted out is reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, not the beacon of Western democracy.
Could Netanyahu's days be numbered?
With the liberal Blue and White camp in his own government on one side, and the apparent rise of a new right-wing leader on the other, Netanyahu seems to be flanked from Left and Right.
Israel Bonds: Once a lifeline, now a burden
David Ben-Gurion's brainwave did wonders for Israel's economy in the early days. But now, the government pays out millions of shekels of needless interest every year when it can secure foreign currency loans at market rates.
No substitute for peace with the Palestinians
As welcome as normalization with the pragmatic Arab world is, Israel must not allow the current situation to harden into an irreversible one-state reality.
Arab countries aren't waiting for the Palestinians
The Palestinians expected other Arab countries to fight for them, and they didn't. Now the Palestinians want Arab countries to avoid peace with Israel, and they aren't.
Peace for peace? Don't tell the PA
Israel's worst nightmare would come true if the Palestinians offered peace in exchange for civil rights, and PM Netanyahu knows it.
What disengagement and annexation have in common
Both show a lack of understanding and foresight, and ignore the Palestinian side.
The budget isn't why they're not budging
Issues of what is best for economy and society don't play a factor in this tug-of-war. It's about how PM Netanyahu can stay in power or call a new election for his own benefit.
Not all of them are puppets
Unless ministers and MKs can vote their conscience, the Knesset and the cabinet will be nothing more than rubber stamps.
Every public issue is a political one
The organizers of Saturday's protest in Rabin Square can be criticized for failing to follow public health regulations, but certainly not for hijacking an economic protest for political purposes.
Let IDF win the war on corona
The law allows the army to step in when other systems have failed. If the military's role is predefined in scope and under parliamentary and police oversight, we must bring it in, or we will be putting our democracy at risk.
The sanctions dilemma
Europe sanctioned Russia for annexing Crimea. If Israel annexes the West Bank, EU countries will have to respond. Sanctions against Israel will be painful for them, and punitive EU recognition of a Palestinian state will be painful for Israel.
Beware: Annexation is a Palestinian trap
The numerous voices on the Palestinian street favoring annexation shouldn't be viewed as an endorsement of this capricious endeavor – rather as a stark warning against it.
It's time to wean ourselves off American aid
Of course, we owe the Americans a thank you for the generous aid. But it's also clear that assistance creates dependence.
Coalition deal should be invalidated
The High Court's likely intervention in the coalition deal gives us a reason to be proud of our country.
Emergency government uncalled for
As long as there is no new government that enjoys the Knesset's confidence there is nothing preventing the current government from dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.
Beware premature celebration
You would think that the first to declare victory is the one who seizes it, or creates a public perception that ties them to victory, but that is not always the case.
A day of reckoning for the Left
The leaders of the Blue and White party have to do some serious soul-searching. The decision not to form a unity government back in September will go down as one of the most egregious mistakes in Israeli politics.
This time, Gantz will have to compromise
If the center-left loses its chance to government, Benny Gantz won't be able to look his voters in the eye. A unity government, with Netanyahu recusing himself for the length of his trial, would be a better option.
Beware the political trap
It is unlikely that the attorney general would allow for a major political move the likes of territorial annexation to take place so close to the elections. If PM Netanyahu makes a promise he cannot keep, it could fracture his coalition well before the March 2 vote.
A lesson in political complexities
Naftali Bennett is probably in for a very short stint as defense minister, but this important government position is likely to teach him that belligerent statements rarely have room in the complex security reality with which Israel deals.
Listen to Brig. Gen. Dror Shalom
The most senior figure in situation assessment in the defense establishment has some surprising things to say, many of which are contrary to Prime Minister Netanyahu's policies. The new government should take heed.
A general election or a vote of confidence?
This could be Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's last election as head of the Likud. Will voter loyalty to him be enough to re-elect him prime minister?
Powerful, but only briefly
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will use Otzma Yehudit to secure his "immunity coalition," then drop them as soon as possible in favor of more palatable political partners.
An election diversion par excellence
Why do we get the feeling that the prime minister's true motive behind the camera saga isn't exactly upholding electoral integrity, rather a different agenda altogether?
Dangerous bedfellows
Moshe Feiglin is a serial lawbreaker, and PM Netanyahu welcoming him into the establishment sends people like Feiglin the message that anything goes.
The hot potatoes of the election
A possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani would be a headache for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is also hoping that the Trump administration keeps its "deal of the century" under wraps until after the election.
They're here, and so are we
It turns out that while the Palestinian economy is more dependent on Israel than Israel is on the PA, there are certain sectors – such as health care – that would collapse if the PA were to pull its people out.
Leaders, practice care when you speak
The public's faith in its politicians would be greatly improved if they made more honest, not to mention realistic campaign promises.
Time to negotiate Israel's eastern border
Israel needs a border with the Palestinians in order to remain a Jewish and democratic state. Such a border could be created through an agreement or, for lack of any other option, but the fact that it is vital to one side does not make it harmful to the other.
It's not too late for the Left to unite
Given the current situation, it is hard to see a more natural or logical move than Meretz and the Israel Democratic Party coming together to form a joint list ahead of the September election.
Silence, not caution, is the problem
It is time for PM Benjamin Netanyahu to give Israelis an explanation about what his government is doing in Gaza – and the best explanation is the truth: Israel is, in fact, holding negotiations with Hamas.
The PA has shot itself in the foot
While we must not dismiss the reasons the Palestinians decided to boycott the Bahrain conference, the PA's arrest of a businessman who did attend was aggressive and unreasonable.
Back in the game but not as a lone player
Former PM Ehud Barak was in office for a short time but did what he said he was going to do. Now, he is making vague declarations about "change."
Bahrain has effectively been canceled
The Americans put the cart before the horse by announcing the Bahrain economic workshop before making sure that all parties involved would take part. The event scheduled for June 25 is now a business meeting, nothing more.
This election is on Netanyahu
The only reason an election was held in April and the only reason we are holding another one in September is because Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing criminal indictment and doesn't want to step down.
Armored vehicles for the Palestinians keep us safer
Many on the Right are aghast at the decision to transfer 10 armored vehicles affixed with machine guns to the Palestinian Authority security forces. Yes, it's a risk, but the risk of anarchy is greater.
Netanyahu just wants to survive
Despite his grandiose promises, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's four terms in office so far have been characterized by keeping things from happening, rather than making things happen.
What about northern Samaria?
Late PM Ariel Sharon's decision to evacuate four settlements in northern Samaria won Israel no points in the international arena. It did, however, hurt settlers, who believe the destruction of their homes was completely unnecessary.
When has the 2-state solution been tried?
Anyone who claims this solution has always ended badly should take another look at the history books.
The opposition isn't about making the prime minister miserable
The point of an effective opposition is to provide well-grounded criticism of the elected government and convince the public that it presents a viable alternative – not to vote down any and all legislation that originates with the government.
Labor is relying on its past
When all it has left is a desire to join a government and nostalgia for Ben-Gurion, Labor can't contend with all the whimsical, middle-of-the-road parties that pathetically declare there's "no Left and no Right" and present hollow, one-size-fits-all plans.
Now the masks come off
If the American peace plan is unveiled before the next government is established, it could justify a move toward a national unity government so that the proposal isn't rejected.
Regime change is vital to democracy
When the government does not change for many years, voters begin to get the sense that their vote is of no significance and that those in power are there to stay.
A realistic option
For both Netanyahu and Gantz, the path to a national unity government is more plausible than they've been willing to admit.
