Winds of change are blowing in Middle East and regional balance of power is under gradual shift. This became evident last week after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Gulf state Oman, following which Omani king call out for recognition of Israel as an equal stakeholder in Middle East peace process. Israel was also a topic of hot discussion at security summit in Bahrain organized by United States and Saudi Arabia.
Several Gulf and Middle Eastern states have already established informal ties with Israel while ostensibly condemning Israel for human rights violations in occupied Palestinian territories. It seems that the perceived threat of Iran has forced Saudi Arabia and other states to flock together towards Israel who obviously enjoys immense US support in all matters without any regard for the cost for Palestinians. Israel too is eager to gain official formal recognition and a seat at the table with historic adversaries.
This demands careful action on part of policy makers in Pakistan. Relations with Israel have been under debate after the rumors of a secret Israeli plane landing in Islamabad on Saturday. However, relevant government departments and Civil Aviation Authority categorically denied any such visit and gossips were laid to rest. This does raise the question that should Pakistan contemplate a shift in its stance on status of Israel keeping in view the trend in Middle East.
Policy debate and official discussions are one thing, but nation as a whole has a consensus that ties of any kind cannot be established with Israel at any cost. Pakistan has always raised its voice for oppressed Palestinians and should continue to do so with renewed resolve. Gulf states may have their own national interest in mind, but Pakistan has no such concern. It should stick to principled stance of Israel’s opposition. Any possibility of rapprochement with Israel should come under consideration only after two state solution and right to self determination for Palestinians.
