Press TV has conducted an interview with Alan Hart, author, journalist and researcher from England about the issue of Israel approving the construction of more than 900 hundred new settler units in Jerusalem al-Quds just one day ahead of scheduled peace talks with the Palestinian Authority.The following is an approximate transcript of the interview.
Press TV:What kind of a message do you think Israel is giving by these settlements just a day before talks are set to resume?
Hart:Im far more concerned with Kerrys message, but since youve asked about Israels message, its basically Go to hell, world.
More importantly its Kerrys message - I was astonished him saying that the Palestinians should not overreact to Israels ongoing colonization and its announcement of new settlements.
But you know, Kerrys real message to the Palestinians is this - he is essentially saying, look, we cant stop Israel ongoing with these settlements. Israel is a monster beyond even our control. But if you work with us well try to get you a little something. If you dont work with us youll get nothing. Thats effectively what Kerry is saying to the Palestinians.
But I have thoughts on what the Palestinians should be doing.
Press TV:You say there, theyll get something, but a lot of people are saying the fact Israel is continuing its settlements on occupied land that is supposed to be part of a two-state solution shows that its not willing to give anything to the Palestinians.
Do you think that Israel is at all interested in the creation of a Palestinian State?
Hart:The idea of a Palestinian State has been dead since soon after the war in 1967. But we neednt go into that now; its all been a game.
At most all the Israeli leadership is going to be prepared to give is a few crumbs on their table on the West Bank, a few little south African-like Bantustans that they can call a state if they want.
Israels leadership is not remotely interested in peace on any terms the Palestinians can accept. So what should the Palestinians now do? Ill tell you.
In my opinion they should not only withdraw from these peace talks; they should dissolve the Palestinian Authority and hand the responsibility of occupation back to Israel. That would make Israel totally responsible and it would be much easier to call into account.
Press TV:When we are speaking about the Palestinian state we know that the United Nations accepted Palestine as an observer state - gave it that position. It did raise a lot of hope that Palestinians are actually being recognized right now as a group representing a state.
Do you see that move as a positive step, that it was a sign that will in the international community more specifically the United States, that they do want the creation of a Palestinian State; and that brings me to the next question of whether the US should be the mediator in these talks or whether an independent mediator could change things?
Hart:There is a very basic problem: Only America has the leverage to use to try to cause Israel to be serious about peace on terms the Palestinians can accept.
But it is a fact that the Zionist lobbys control of Congress in America prevents any American president doing what he knows is necessary for peace and to best protect Americas own interests.
I dont believe Obama is a complete Zionist stooge. I sometimes think hed like to take Israel and wring its leaders by the neck. But he is a prisoner of the Zionist lobby.
So, youve got to look at the world and see it in this way: More and more we are seeing a rising tide of anti-Israeli-ism among the citizens and peoples of nations and thats because of Israels own actions and policies.
I think most Western governments loath what Israel has become. But the Zionist lobby is in control.
By Press TV
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