Former Mossad boss Efraim Halevy’s analysis of the Shalit deal and its implications is astounding.
Certainly it is likely factors like the regional instability created by the Arab Spring, a strategic aim to buttress Egypt’s fledgling government, and a desire to punish Abu Mazen for his unilateral statehood bid, all played a role in the timing of this deal. But the notion that the deal qualifies as “negotiation” with Hamas and that Israel should seize this opportunity to work towards peace with the terrorist organization is ludicrous, as Jonathan pointed out last week.
It is lamentable that someone with Efraim Halevy’s experience can still conclude the onus is on Israel to make overtures to a willing Hamas, and to lamentingly predict Israel will fail, leaving Hamas with no recourse but a justified return to its violent ways.
Halevy has made similar comments before. Within a year, intolerable rocket attacks finally forced Israel to launch Operation Cast Lead. Given Hamas’ ongoing refusal to recognize Israel and the calls for more Gilad Shalits, it is difficult to believe anything has changed.
