With tens of thousands gathered at the Rabin Memorial Rally on November 7, Defence Minister Barak got up to speak -- and was greeted with loud whistling and booing. Barak tried his best but his words fell flat: "We want peace, not in a faraway future but here and now, we must work hard, ceaselessly, for peace!" raising his voice calling upon Arab leaders to "return to the negotiating table with no preconditions." A thin spatter of applause.

Among the audience a recently organized group, made its first appearance -- called "Tzevet Hamasa Umatan" ("The Negotiating Team") or "Citizens for Peace." Its members defined themselves as "a group of patriotic Israeli citizens who think that Israel should immediately start talks with the Hamas movement.

Setting up a stall and signs reading "Talk to Hamas -- Help Gilad", they managed to collect hundreds of signatures in the course of the rally.

The following is taken from the leaflet spread widely on the packed square.

Why Should Israel talk to Hamas?
# Because Hamas is the elected representative of the Palestinian people. Anyone who values democracy understands the need to respect the Palestinians' decision. Hamas was chosen by the Palestinian people to lead their struggle for independence. Any Israeli seeking peace with Palestine will eventually have to talk and negotiate with Hamas.

Because of National Security.
# Many Israelis see the Hamas as Israel's worst enemy and call to ban it. After over a decade of deadly terrorist bombings and Qassam missiles fired at Israeli cities, that's an understandable position. But it takes courage to recognize that during the same time thousands of Palestinians were killed by the IDF, hundreds of them children! It is precisely the fierce violence that dominates the conflict that makes negotiations with Hamas an inevitable necessity. The security of the Children of Gaza and that of the children of Sderot are interdependent, and peace is made not with friends, but with enemies.

Because Recognition is a first step towards Reconciliation.
# Hamas has never recognized the legitimacy of the state of Israel. Israel never recognized Hamas as an official representative of the Palestinian people. This mutual denial will probably not solve the conflict. Talking implies recognition, both for Israel and the Hamas. This may be the first step towards resolving the conflict.

Because we owe it to Gilad Shalit.
# For over three years Gilad is a prisoner of Hamas, abandoned by the government which sent him there. In the meantime, thousands of Palestinians are held captive in Israeli prisons: some of whom are terrorists, others -- political prisoners, some are even minors. A prisoners exchange deal would bring much joy and relief to many people, both Israelis and Palestinians. It is an ideal way to start a dialogue towards ending the occupation and establishing peace between the nations.

To the group's utter surprise, on the very next day their theme was echoed by a figure deep in the establishment: None other than former Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz -- now a contender for leadership of the Kadima Party, hoping to unseat the party's present leader Tzipi Livni and run against Netanyahu in next elections (whenever that will be).

On the morning of November 9, Mofaz presented his new political program -- mainly consisting of an offer to recognize a "Palestinian state in interim borders embracing 50% to 60% of the Palestinian territory in the West Bank" (in itself not a particularly new or exciting idea). He added, however, that "If Hamas is elected and chooses to negotiate, Israel must conduct dialogue with any group that changes its behavior."

Hamas' first reaction was highly suspicious, regarding Mofaz's surprising statement as some kind of Zionist hoax or trap. However, after a few hours' consideration, senior Hamas legislator Mushir al-Masri told the Israeli Ynet website: "This is a very important step, but we are interested in its translation from talk into action. Obviously, such comments carry a lot of weight when they come from someone of Mofaz's stature -- a man who went to war against Hamas and is familiar with the political and military aspects of the issue. We would not dismiss any offer based on recognition of the basic rights of the Palestinian people and its right to be rid of occupation."

Mofaz was reported to be checking with lawyers whether it would be legal for him to meet with Hamas officials.

For his part, David Zoneshine who organized the Rabin Square stall told TOI: "I am not sure how sincere Mofaz is. He might have simply been searching for an issue that would help him grab the headlines. Even so, it is interesting that he took up exactly this."

David Zoneshine david.zonsh@gmail.com
Arik Diamant diamant.arik@gmail.com
http://citizensforpeace.wordpress.com