It appears that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s belief that a stable PA (Palestinian Authority) economy must precede final status peace efforts has been accepted by the United States, which is pouring enormous sums of money into the PA. Secretary of State John Kerry is involved in preparing a broad sweeping fiscal package that will infuse large sums into the PA to build a viable financial infrastructure and create many jobs.

Kerry views the plan as a new model for public and private cooperation, and it will include the participation of major American and European companies. Among the giants is Coca Cola, which will be pouring billions of dollars into building major projects in the PA. Kerry envisions creating tens of thousands of jobs in the PA in the hope of jumpstarting the diplomatic process with Israel and finally resolving core issues and reaching a long-term agreement to end the ongoing conflict.

The daily Maariv quotes “American and Israeli sources” saying the White House is working to promote “financial peace” in the hope of pushing the Oslo process along. Some of the major businesspeople targeted to become involved by the White House have recently visited Israel, some meeting with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu as well as senior Israeli and PA officials.

Working with the US State Department in the Quartet forum, the forum comprised of the US, EU, Russia and United Nations. Kerry is continuing efforts to enlist the commitment of major corporations as America seeks bring additional security to the shaky administration of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), realizing if he is toppled, Hamas is likely to quickly move into his place, as was the case in Gaza.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)