Prime Minister Ehud Olmert returned from the United States on Thursday with an air of triumph, after fears of a somewhat chilly reception proved unfounded and were replaced by a sense of great satisfaction with the outcome of the visit. Bush praised Olmert's "bold" ideas, Olmert restated Israel's commitment to the road map and to the president's vision for the Middle East, Bush confirmed the "deep and abiding" ties between the two countries, and Olmert said he appreciated the president's "true friendship."

Olmert then proceeded to win over Congress, addressing a joint session to the sounds of thunderous applause and a standing ovation.

Reading the reports on their meeting, one would think the two leaders had founded a mutual admiration society. That may prove to be the case, but it does not bring us any closer to a solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.


Realignment, not convergence

Olmert probably intends to make good on his promise to meet with Mahmoud Abbas (who must have choked back tears at hearing his proper title finally roll off the tongue of an Israeli prime minister), but he has already made it abundantly clear that nothing will come of the meeting. Olmert will give the Palestinian president a list of conditions, bide his time for a couple of months (Chaim Ramon said the deadline is the end of the year), and then declare the waiting period over and shift his plans for unilateral withdrawal into high gear.

Olmert apparently believes that Bush will be more receptive to his realignment plans (convergence is 'out'; realignment is 'in') after a token attempt at negotiations, and he is counting on the president to help him win over the international community.

With his focus on Washington instead of Ramallah, Olmert is forging ahead in total disregard of the developments in the Palestinian arena. Overtures from Abbas are ignored, Hamas references to the 1967 borders are of no interest to him, and the prisoners accord is not on his screen.

Eye on history

Olmert wants to call the shots, and he does not want to be sidetracked by diplomacy. After all, he learned from the master that one fell disengagement is a better ticket into the annals of history than years of prolonged negotiations.

Yes, from the US capital he extended a limp hand to the Palestinian leader, but with the other he is busy orchestrating a different move.

And so Olmert will proceed with his plan to draw Israel's "permanent" borders on his own and secure international recognition of them. This is the pipe dream he is selling the Israeli public, as if borders that ignore the national aspirations of a disenfranchised people can ever be permanent.


Mistaken image

Olmert may succeed in winning US support and may get the Quartet on his side. He may find a friend in Egyptian President Mubarak and may boost Israel's international standing, but none of this will bring the Israeli people one step closer to peace.

The Palestinian people will not join the chorus of praise for Israel's readiness to cement the occupation by reducing its scope while strengthening its hold. Besieged, famished, and with nothing to lose, they will bring the fight back to the cafes and sidewalks of Israel's bustling cities, and no wall, fence, or barrier will be able to hold them back.

Only a negotiated settlement will end the conflict, and Olmert would do well to focus less on garnering international support for his misguided plans and more on making a genuine effort to reach an agreement with the Palestinians. Even the warmest friendship with our allies will not give the Israeli people the peace and quiet that can be won from the coldest peace with our enemies.



Susie Becher is a member of the Meretz-Yachad Executive Committee