Abba Evan, a former Israeli Foreign Minister, is attributed to have said in disappointment after the 1973 Geneva Peace Conference that “The Arabs never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” and there is much truth to this observation. 

That said, the current right and ultra-right Israeli Government misses few opportunities to perpetuate the impasse between Israel and the Arab world or to undercut any viable basis for a lasting peace with a viable independent Palestine State.  Tragically, these measures will now escalate under the aegis of the new US Administration.

The implications for all in the Middle East are dire.