It does not actually matter if we are in the midst of the Third Intifada or are just sliding into it quickly. What is important right now is to stop the escalation that led to the deadly stabbing attack Saturday in the Old City. And in order to do so one must calm the area by reducing the friction between Jews and Palestinians in Jerusalem and in the West Bank.

Alongside military measures required for conflict prevention, the political measures taken should be unconventional. For example, convening a direct meeting between Abbas and Netanyahu. Not to discuss resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but to discuss a de-escalation.

Americans should be involved in this meeting and press both sides to comply with it. Such a meeting, if held behind closed doors, is closed to the media, and conducted in a businesslike way, can yield immediate results, at least in the West Bank, and perhaps also in East Jerusalem.

Such a meeting would reduce the tension and lack of a political horizon, but there is also a danger: If it fails, it could inflame the situation. The Americans should ensure that the meeting does not fail and bring all their influence to bear on both sides.

Read the article in full at Ynet.