The following story probably won’t dispel the widespread notion among the Israeli public and
leadership that since the Second Intifada there has been no partner on the Palestinian side.
This is a notion that is based on statements from politicians from the right, among others, who
claim that every time the moment of truth comes, PA President Mahmoud Abbas rejects peace
agreements.
But in at least one instance, that preconception proved unfounded, even false. Less than four
years ago, it wasn’t Abbas who ran away from the table, but rather Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu, who declined to advance talks between Abbas and then-president Shimon Peres.
leadership that since the Second Intifada there has been no partner on the Palestinian side.
This is a notion that is based on statements from politicians from the right, among others, who
claim that every time the moment of truth comes, PA President Mahmoud Abbas rejects peace
agreements.
Quick Watch0:59
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres seen during a ceremony laying a founding stone
for the National Memorial Hall for IDF victims of war on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem on April 30, 2014.
(Photo credit: David Vaaknini/POOL/Flash 90)
But in at least one instance, that preconception proved unfounded, even false. Less than four
years ago, it wasn’t Abbas who ran away from the table, but rather Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu, who declined to advance talks between Abbas and then-president Shimon Peres.
