Trapped in their public narrative

The Palestinians must separate between the Israeli government and the people. Every single Palestinian leader must carefully think about how his or her public utterances affect the Israeli electorate, especially during national elections. There is a steady shift to the right, and maligning Israel during the campaign will only further strengthen the right and weaken the center and left.

I am not naive to suggest that by merely changing their public narrative positively, the Palestinians will instantly and dramatically alter the political map in Israel in favor of the left and center.

But if the Palestinians want to realize statehood, they must change their rancorous narrative sooner rather than later, and the Israeli elections offer a unique opportunity to begin this shift. The prerequisite here is that the Palestinians remain true to what they are stating and continue with this path far beyond the Israeli elections.

Moreover, Abbas should wait until after the Israeli election before he turns to the UN Security Council to establish a date for the Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank for two reasons: a) there is a strong likelihood that a center-left government will be formed that would be committed to negotiate to reach an agreement; b) it would deprive the extremist right in Israel from making any gains that such a move may precipitate.

This would not be seen as a change of heart on the part of Abbas, but rather a strategic adjustment to the changing political landscape in Israel. In any case, Abbas can turn back to the Security Council if the peace process doesn't resume in earnest, although this time around his appeal will resonate far more forcefully, especially with the US.

The PA must also prepare their own public to accept inevitable concessions (as do the Israelis), as long as such concessions advance the process toward the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Notwithstanding the growing support of the international community, the Palestinians will be mistaken to assume that the international community will solve their conflict with Israel.

Neither the Europeans nor the US, who enjoy certain leverage with Israel, will be able to force the hand of any hardcore right wing Israeli leader such as Netanyahu, as he has resisted such pressure in the past, with significant Israeli public support.

It is not easy, and certainly not popular, for the Palestinians to stop their antagonistic statements against Israel while under occupation. Stemming the barrage of public attacks does not dilute the Palestinians' claim of their legitimate rights; on the contrary, it strengthens their claim which will benefit the Palestinians, not the Israelis.

There will be many radical Palestinians, especially Hamas, who will view such a change of strategy on the part of the PA as akin to surrender. But following the latest war with Israel, Hamas is still licking its wounds, having lost much of the adulation now that the dust has settled and the massive devastation is taking its toll.

Moreover, the so-called unity government is all but dead, and there is nothing that should stop President Abbas from pursuing a new strategy. Every Palestinian must remember that by clinging to the narrative of the past, they have achieved next to nothing.

Changing their course now is not surrender. On the contrary, it can only enhance the Palestinians' credibility, strengthen their bargaining position, and hasten the resumption of peace negotiations.