American politician Dennis Ross predicted that Israel would witness a major political change as a result of the repercussions of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, highlighting that eliminating the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) is far-fetched because it is an idea, but on the other hand, he believes that the disarmament of Gaza is possible.
In its introduction that began an interview with him, the Italian newspaper La Repubblica said that when the story is good, it explains the issue much better than studies and theses.
She added that Dennis Ross, who is 75 years old, has many good stories about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially since he worked for the White House for 30 years on this thorny issue… initially as director of foreign policy planning during the era of President George Bush. The father, then the special coordinator of former US President Bill Clinton in the Middle East, became, during the era of the other former president Barack Obama, a special advisor to the president for Iranian and Arab Gulf affairs. He now serves as co-director of the Jewish People Policy Institute.
Below is the story that began the interview conducted by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica with him, when he said:
“Months before his assassination, Yitzhak Rabin one day asked me who, in my opinion, would have a decisive influence in the 1996 Israeli elections. I referred to him as one of the prominent politicians of that era. But he told me, ‘No.’ So I mentioned another name to him, and he said, ‘No.’” So I asked him in turn, “Who then?” He replied, “Two bombs from Hamas, and the Israelis will vote for Benjamin Netanyahu.” And this is what actually happened.
Ross explained to the newspaper, saying, “In my opinion, extremist movements have always played a decisive role in thwarting efforts aimed at reaching peace.”
Ross cited for this the crisis that Israel is experiencing today, which he said is headlined by Smotrich and Ben Gvir, the two Messianic nationalist ministers divorced from reality, who insist on the need to expel the Palestinians to another place.
In response to a question: How long will Netanyahu last with this right-wing government? “We are about to see major political change in Israel,” Ross said. October 7 was the darkest day in Netanyahu’s history. The current ruling coalition is also unable to manage what needs to be done.
Regarding what must be done, Ross said, “The conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis, who are exhausted from the shocks they have received over the years, has become an existential conflict… two national movements competing for the same space. Therefore, the only solution is two states for two peoples, provided that neither of them is a failure,” stressing. On the need to carry out reforms within the current Palestinian Authority.
Ross: The conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis, who are exhausted from the traumas they have received over the years, has become an existential conflict: two national movements competing for the same space. Therefore, the only solution is two states for two peoples, provided that neither of them is a failure
In response to what these reforms are, Ross pointed out that the Palestinians have been able in the past to make notable reforms. This was precisely in 2007 when the Bush administration convinced Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to appoint Salam Fayyad as prime minister. The Palestinian National Authority worked differently at that time, restoring security and the economy.
This is the way, Ross added. Abu Mazen must now choose a reliable prime minister who is prepared to cleanse the Palestinian National Authority from within.
To the newspaper’s question about the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, which is claiming thousands of casualties, and with the complete absence of a clear Israeli strategy, except for Netanyahu’s statements in which he affirms his intention to eliminate Hamas. “You can’t eliminate Hamas, because you can’t eliminate an idea,” Ross said.
On the other hand, Ross says that Gaza could be demilitarized if the United States and Israel focused on activating an international mechanism to ensure that only post-war funds and donations are used for reconstruction. Thus, I think it will be complicated for Hamas to regain control of the Gaza Strip.
Regarding the European Union’s proposal for a temporary Arab-led UN mission in Gaza during the period following the cessation of fighting, Ross said, “Yes. There are several applicable models for the interim administration. The important thing is that it be based on a reconstruction process that does not lead to the re-arming of Hamas.”
Regarding the possibility of Russia voting to veto such a proposal in the Security Council. “With an Arab-led mission and an Arab initiative proposed by the Saudis or a coalition of Arab countries, I think the Russians and Chinese will not hinder it,” Ross said.
Ross spoke of an Arab mission in Gaza after the war, ranging from 18-24 months, after which its leadership would transfer to the Palestinian Authority, with the reunification of Gaza with the West Bank.
Regarding the duration of this mission, Ross said, “I think it will range between 18-24 months, after which its leadership will transfer to the Palestinian Authority and with the reunification of Gaza with the West Bank.”
Regarding the question: Can the plan succeed, even if Yahya Al-Sinwar is not arrested? Ross said, “The issue is not related to Sinwar as much as it is related to Hamas. We must ensure that Hamas does not have control in the Gaza Strip.”
Regarding the question: How can we talk about a two-state solution at a time when settlements have become present everywhere in the West Bank, and settler violence is increasing day by day? Ross said, “In 2000, former President Bill Clinton proposed annexing 55 settlements close to the Green Line in which he lives.” “85% of the Israelis in the West Bank belong to Israel in exchange for compensating the Palestinians with the same area of Israeli land and dismantling 75 small settlements located far from the Green Line. This plan is still valid provided that Israel works to suppress the notorious settlers who are working to take their rights into their own hands,” he said. His expression.
