MK (Kulanu) Dr. Michael Oren, a former Israeli Ambassador to Washington, proposes a peace plan that he feels will also defuse the ongoing and increasing efforts of BDS (Boycott – Divest – Sanctions).

In his address at the Yediot Achronot Conference, Oren explained the current administration has stagnated and placed its head in the sand and failed to come up with new diplomatic initiatives vis-à-vis the PA (Palestinian Authority).

Labeling himself a “centrist, pragmatic and realistic” person, Dr. Oren feels part of today’s problem is that Israel is no longer able to explain itself politically to the international community because it does not have an “active policy” concerning the PA.

Oren believes construction throughout Yehuda and Shomron outside the so-called settlement blocs must be frozen. The government’s failure to do this he feels has significantly contributed to Israel’s isolation today in the international community. He blames this erroneous policy with causing harm and as a result, Israel today cannot build in the Gilo neighborhood of the capital or at Hebrew University. Instead of the building freeze outside settlement blocs, Israel has now lost all support for all construction in Yerushalayim and is becoming increasingly isolated on the international diplomatic scene.

Israel must increase efforts to strengthen the PA economy including more work permits for PA residents to enter Green Line Israel and additional freedom of movement for PA residents. From Oren’s perspective, it is essential for Israel to continue supporting the two-state solution and this along with other measures will take the air out of BDS because the international community will see Jerusalem is quite serious regarding peace-making efforts with the PA.

When asked how this can be accomplished in a right-wing coalition, Oren admits that it is difficult, reminding listeners that any time a building freeze in areas of Yehuda and Shomron is discussed, the Bayit Yehudi party threatens a coalition crisis.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)