In a hopeful sign prior to today's opening of Middle East peace talks in Washington, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said in an interview that his country might cede Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem to the Palestinians to make a deal work. The status of Jerusalem has been a sticking point in past rounds of negotiations, since both Israelis and Palestinians claim it as their capital. Does Barak's statement indicate that Israel is willing to make unprecedented compromises to ink a deal — and, if so, will Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas respond in kind? (Watch an al Jazeera report about the ongoing negotiations)
Israel's flexibility on Jerusalem could be a breakthrough: Abbas has shown a willingness to be a "partner in peace," says Avi Issacharoff in Israel's Haaretz. He can show some "flexibility over borders," maybe even over the right of Palestinians to return to their former homes in Israel. "But not over Jerusalem." Giving Abbas a chunk of Jerusalem — including the Temple Mount, home of Islam's third holiest site — is "the price of ending the conflict."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.