‘Israel must bear in mind that the revolutionary energy will hit it as well’ (Haaretz): “Where will the popular revolutionary energy released in our region lead? Israel should take into account that this energy, now directed inward, will at some point be directed at it as well. In the Arab street, there is deep empathy for the Palestinians. Given the preponderant weight of public opinion, this sentiment will influence regimes to a greater extent, and will be exploited by them to deflect attention. This is especially true during a protracted diplomatic stalemate.

Moreover, because of the stalemate, with the banner of liberty raised in our region, the Palestinian public could embark on a popular anti-Israeli uprising. Israel would then face a difficult test, against the background of serious diplomatic isolation and the wave of international recognition of Palestinian aspirations for statehood. Israel should invest in identifying the coming trends and stay ahead of the earthquake after the storm. It seems that precisely when the earth moves is the time to leave the comfort zone of the status quo and seek a diplomatic initiative. Statesmanship, as opposed to seismology, is supposed to influence the course of events.”

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