Nearly three and a half millenia ago, two and a half Israelite tribes opted for both sides of the Jordan. They didn't give away land - they took more!
However, to the dismay of Israelis who represent the Right, present-day governments are fond of offering concessions to the Palestinians.
Prime Minister Barak, as an example, offered the Palestinians a major package. Less generous concessions had led to the downfall of previous governments.
Moshe Dayan handed the key to the Old City to the Wakf after the Six Day War. Prime Minister Begin handed over Sinai sometime after that.
Yet, the Arabs don't tend to accept Israeli offers. They want it all.
Let's consider the case of poor Barak. Did he know that the Palestinians would never accept these concessions? Did he want to prove to the world that the Arabs were not fair negotiating partners? Was he showing the highest level of statesmanship by creating a situation that would terminate the negotiations with the Palestinians?
If so, then would this mean that Barak - who offered so many concessions -was actually fighting for a greater Israel? Would it mean that Barak fought for the policy touted by his Rightist opposition?
Perhaps.
However, if this is the case, then shall we say that Barak represented the political viewpoint of the left or of the right?
Given this example, Israeli politics is beginning to become more clear.
Or is it?
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Keywords: Opposites, Tzafun
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