The Art of Perpetual Negotiation: Managing Expectations Downward
The Minister of Intelligence, Eli Cohen, recently stated unequivocally that 'there will be no Palestinian state in the future' and that 'security control over all territory west of the Jordan River' will remain with Israel. While presented as news, this position has been a consistent, albeit sometimes veiled, component of Israeli governmental policy for decades, often running concurrently with
performative 'peace talks' orchestrated by international actors. THE ACTORS: Who is involved in this story? Eli Cohen: Israeli Minister of Intelligence, a member of the Likud party. His role in intelligence gives his pronouncements significant weight regarding strategic national policy. Isaac Herzog: Israeli President, who echoed a similar sentiment regarding security control 'from the Jordan
River to the Mediterranean Sea' during a UN address in 2023, framing it as a non-negotiable security imperative. US State Department & Biden Administration: Routinely issue statements supporting a 'two-state solution' while providing substantial military and economic aid to Israel. Palestinian Authority: Continues to advocate for statehood based on 1967 borders, despite diminishing leverage and
internal divisions. THE FUNDING: Where does their money come from? Eli Cohen & Likud Party: Funded by party donations, Israeli taxpayer money, and significant contributions from pro-Israel lobbying groups in the US, such as AIPAC, which reported spending $3.2 million on lobbying in 2023. These funds directly or indirectly support political candidates aligned with their geopolitical stance. Israeli