Arnon Grunberg

Existence

Public

On ‘Club Med’ – Jonathan Lis in Haaretz:

‘This exclusive “Club Med” now includes, besides Israel, its erstwhile greatest rivals – Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and its old-new friend Turkey. With U.S. backing, these countries are working together to advance common security and diplomatic interests, chief among them being Iran. They are also working to resolve more mundane economic and energy-related crises.’

(…)

‘The summit in Sharm al-Sheikh had been planned for a long time. Bennett, who assumed office eight months ago, met Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi for the first time last September, followed by a meeting with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed in December.
According to Israeli sources, close and trusting relations were forged among the three leaders, enabling the planning and execution of the summit. For the first time in many years, an Israeli prime minister slept on Egyptian soil.
Sissi made many friendly gestures, even accompanying Bennett to his plane at the end of their meeting. The dramatic meeting was not supposed to be made public. It was hidden from the media until its existence leaked on Monday.’

(…)

‘Bennett shared with his partners details of the progress of his mediation efforts and the three leaders discussed solutions for the wheat crisis in Egypt as well as the pressure to increase the output of oil in the Middle East in order to reduce dependence on Russian and Iranian energy.’

(…)

‘Arab leaders are no longer hesitating to cooperate with an Israeli prime minister who openly declares his sweeping opposition to any diplomatic process with the Palestinian Authority.
The Palestinian issue was discussed at the summit meeting, but Bennett was steadfast in adhering to his government’s narrative – espousing the improvement of the economic situation for Palestinians living under the PA, though evading the topic of diplomatic initiatives.
Bennett said in recent months that he has embraced a new policy in which “Israel is active across the entire playing field,” cooperating with any country that wishes to reciprocate.
The fact that Washington has taken a step back from its active role in Middle East issues to focus on China and Russia has pushed countries in the region with common interests to cooperate despite past disputes and a dismal shared history.’

Read the article here.

Sissi made many friendly gestures, is a delightful sentence. Keep in mind that Sissi is not less cruel towards enemies than Putin.

The Palestinians are for Arab leaders and probably also for the Arab street a non-problem. Not that the Arab street likes Israel or Jews – as far as these two entities can be separated – there are just more urgent matters.

Morality is power, but economic and military power trumps morality, especially in the Middle East.

This new Club Med will be an old-fashioned gentlemen’s club. The Palestinians, unfortunately, are mainly an issue at certain universities. Till the next uprising of course. Stability is not for mortals.

discuss on facebook