The most recent Palestinian reconciliation talks concluded with only one breakthrough, as negotiators postponed the renewal of negotiations to May 16 and 17. Both Hamas and Fatah officially state that they are willing to compromise, but many observers deem the process futile. The delay to mid-May occurred to permit faction delegates to discuss proposals with other members of the leadership. The primary issues needing resolution remains the status of elections and the make-up of a unity government. Some Fatah members blamed Hamas in the press for failing to compromise one these issues, even though the group agreed to permit the PLO to serve in a decision making capacity. Due to PA President Mahmoud Abbas’ upcoming meeting with President Obama, he may form a new government within the next 10 days in order to present an air of authority in the discussions.

Following Jordanian King Abdullah’s visit to the White House last week, Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh spoke with Middle East Progress, stressing the need for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unlike representatives from other Arab nations, he stated that the Arab Peace Initiative does not expire, but he urged a quick resolution to the conflict. Notably, he said:

“The biggest challenge is peace. The Middle East conflict, the Arab-Israeli conflict, at the heart of which is the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, is no longer something that can be described as a local or regional conflict; it’s a global conflict, and therefore it is in everyone’s interests to see peace in the Middle East. We had had too many processes, initiatives, that were all aimed at bringing about progress on the ground, and some of them did achieve some progress over the decades, however, I think people in our part of the world are suffering from peace process fatigue, we’ve had too many processes and not enough peace. But I think the time now has come to do away with the word process and spare no effort at bringing about direct negotiations aimed at arriving at the endgame that we all want to see. That is, the two-state solution, an independent Palestinian state living side-by-side with a secure Israel as part of regional comprehensive peace, which comprises a solution to Israeli-Lebanese problems, to the Israeli-Syrian problems and that will enable us as a region to tackle other challenges that we face.

His Majesty King Abdullah II always reminds the world that the Arab Peace Initiative is the cornerstone of our efforts at this stage to bring about direct negotiations, an initiative that aims at achieving peace between Palestinians and Israelis, between Arabs and Israelis and then establishing normal relations between Israel and 57 Muslim countries—not only the 22 Arab member countries of the League. I believe that there’s a stake in this for everyone, and once again, peace in the Middle East is very much a U.S. vital national security interest, as much as it is in the interest of the parties directly involved.

So, this is the major challenge. Once the Palestinian-Israeli and Arab-Israeli problem is tackled in its entirety, then it will enable us to face other regional challenges head on in a collective effort; and there certainly is no shortage of challenges in our region.”

Palestinian reconciliation talks in Cairo managed a minor breakthrough, even though the entire discussions seem futile in achieving a final agreement. Fatah and Hamas negotiators agreed to permit the PLO to serve as a “national reference,” essentially a de-facto decision making body until proper elections for a legislative council occur. Hamas initially sought a more inclusive group to serve in this capacity, seeking an organization representative of Islamic organizations. The PLO status only resolves one of multiple disagreements between the two groups. For an in-depth look at Fatah-Hamas faction disputes, watch this news report.

State Department Special Envoy Dennis Blair will visit the Gulf and Egypt next week in a likely effort to obtain support for U.S. initiatives aimed at curbing the Iranian nuclear program. While the State Department did not specify the details of issues to be discussed, Ross may also attempt to enlist support for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Obama Administration signalled some support for the Arab Peace Plan, formulated by Saudi Arabia, that would provide Israel with diplomatic relations with the Arab world in exchange for a two-state solution based on 1967 boundaries. The State Department statement reads:

“Special Advisor Ross will travel to the Middle East beginning April 28 to discuss with Gulf and Egyptian leaders issues of mutual and regional concern. This trip will further advance the U.S. commitment to renewed diplomacy in the region and ongoing consultations with partners. He will travel to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt. Special Advisor Ross will be accompanied by NSC Senior Director Puneet Talwar and CENTCOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John R. Allen.”

The transition from Memorial Day directly into Israeli Independence Day remains analogous to the historical evolution of the country. Tonight, Israelis gather across the state, paying homage to the sacrifices of fallen soldiers in defense of the country during multiple wars over the last 61 years. Tomorrow, the entire demeanor of the country changes, with celebrations and festivals marking another year since the foundation of the nation in 1948.

This staggering metamorphosis of the population symbolically represents the evolution of a small strip of land along the Mediterranean from an underdeveloped British mandate into a thriving force on the international scene. The original Jewish settlers in Palestine focused on cultivating the land through Kibbutzim and developing a unique Europe-influenced culture in a foreign land. Many of these pioneers narrowly avoided the Holocaust and founded the new country with little-to-no formal education. As small nation of a mere 7 million people over approximately 21,000 square kilometers, this country evolved into a major industrial center, a technological phenomenon, the sole democracy in the Middle East, and a diplomatic broker with the other regional governments.

According to the most recent United Nations Human Development Reports, Israel vaulted towards the top in multiple categories evaluating the level of progress by different countries. For example, the country ranks eighth in life expectancy, three years longer than the life expectancy in the United States. Israel also ranks 33rd in both literacy and gross domestic product per capita, with a purchasing power parity of approximately $24,000. Overall the UN ranks Israel as the 24th most developed nation, falling behind no other country in the region.

This development led to immense scientific breakthroughs that propelled Israel into a technologically advanced marvel, providing the nation with increased clout on the international stage. The industrialization of the country coupled with the technological achievements erected a formidable military that gained international esteem for its superior capabilities. Admiration for the Israel Defense Force does not rest in the quantity of troops, but rather in the quality of armaments and execution of operations that generally provide crippling target precision, such as the bombing of Iraqi and Syrian nuclear facilities in 1981 and 2007, respectively. Most importantly, the alleged Israeli development of nuclear weapons represents a serious scientific accomplishment that immediately thrust the country’s military into a unique category of indomitable armed forces.

Diplomatically, Israel even managed to achieve seemingly lasting peace processes with two of its foremost foes, Jordan and Egypt. The agreements, painstakingly forged after multiple wars, provide each nation with additional economic opportunities and diplomatic leverage with the West. While some similar global conflicts remain volatile until today, these nations shunned historical hatred and amplifying animosity for the mutually beneficial ideals of peace and bilateral cooperation. Similarly, due to these values coupled with the technological advancement, Israel forged one of the closest global alliances with the United States. As Israel continues to face international reprobation, the relationship with the United States remains rooted in shared interests and common virtues of democracy, transparency, and human rights.

These impressive accomplishments do not reflect the standard developmental curve of nations created in the mid-1940s. In comparison, following its official independence in 1946, the Philippines remains rife with political instability, partially due to the emergence of Islamic extremism in the south, and a relatively low per capita purchasing power parity GDP of approximately $3,000. Establishing its independence in 1947, India still neglects to provide many basic services to the exponentially expanding population, leaving countless residents living in poverty and famine. Even Israel’s neighbor Jordan, independent since 1946, remains politically stagnant with a monarchy and economically disparate, ranking among moderately developed nations according to the UN.

While Israel clearly accomplished unparalleled achievements in its short history, these accomplishments remain marred by unsettled fundamental dilemmas in the foundation of the country. Primarily, the pending peace process with the Palestinians continues to undermine the international stature of Israel, as foreign governments consider censures and boycotts until the realization of a resolution to the conflict. Even though Israelis maintain a high quality of living and enjoy robust social services, the Palestinians, especially in the Gaza Strip, continue to live impoverished, struggling to advance in the perpetually progressing world. Until the culmination of this conflict, Israel remains isolated from the majority of the Muslim and Arab world, thereby stifling any potential cooperation with an increasingly relevant group of countries.

Similarly, the need for religious character in state affairs sabotages and limits democratic reforms and progress. Although the electoral process provides free elections, many non-Jewish residents of Israel remain unrepresented in the political discourse due to their religion. Unlike Jews that can obtain near-immediate citizenship, the country withholds this right from residents of other faiths. As the county’s demographics continue to change towards a smaller Jewish majority, the necessity may emerge to evolve the fundamentals of Israeli democracy in order to adapt to the changing landscape.

Regardless of the acute existential dilemmas facing Israel, the accomplishments in its history thus far remain admirable. The Israeli population overcame enough adversities and achieved far more social, technological, and political progress than any reasonable observer could expect. By bestowing the same tenacity and perseverance exemplified by the country’s founders and architects, Israelis can surely surmount today’s predicaments.

Palestinian unity talks between Fatah and Hamas scheduled for today were delayed again pending additional internal consultations. The two groups indicated that negotiations in Cairo would potentially resume tomorrow, with both sides adamant that they seek a reconciliation. In the event that Hamas joins the Fatah-led government, Congress could complicate aid to the Palestinians due to law forbidding funds to a terrorist group, a title ascribed to Hamas. The White House, however, intends to request a loop-hole in legislation that would ease restrictions, thereby permitting funding to the Palestinians regardless of Hamas participation. According to a United Nations report, the poverty level and malnutrition of children in the Gaza Strip grew sharply since Hamas’ coup of the government. The creation of a unity government would likely improve living conditions in Gaza through increased participation of the Palestinians Authority and an ease on security restrictions imposed on the Strip by Israel due to the terrorist activity.

Meanwhile, an Israeli committee approved the expansion of the Me’ale Adumim settlement in the West Bank, a process opposed by the Palestinians and the United States. However, the Housing Ministry must still approve the initiative.

Testifying yesterday before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton indicated an increased effort to conduct oversight on funds delivered to Palestinians. Throughout the 1990s and into the 21st century, funds provided to the Palestinians often went unchecked, leading to corruption, mismanagement, and embezzlement of economic support. Clinton stated:

“We also are focused on the Middle East, as Chairwoman Lowey mentioned. Both she and Ranking Member Granger emphasized the importance of this region to our country. If we are genuinely interested in achieving a comprehensive and secure peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors, we have to remain steadfast in our commitment to Israel’s security.

At the same time, we believe, we should continue to help the parties find a path to a two-state solution and support efforts initiated by the Palestinian Authority, under the leadership of Prime Minister Fayyad, to end corruption, promote security, and build infrastructure to demonstrate tangible benefits of peace to the people of the West Bank. And we think as part of that strategy, we have to address the humanitarian needs in Gaza by working directly with carefully vetted partners.

We have made it clear that we will only work only with a Palestinian Authority government that unambiguously and explicitly accepts the Quartet’s principles: a commitment to non-violence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap. In the event of any Hamas participation of any sort in this coalition, this would apply if the government, representing all of its agencies and instrumentalities, accepts these principles.

At Sharm el-Sheikh last month, I announced a U.S. government pledge of $900 million that includes humanitarian, economic, and security assistance for the Palestinian people, both Gaza and West Bank. And Madame Chairwoman, our supplemental request of $840 million is included in that pledge; it is not in addition to it. And it will be implemented under the most stringent requirements we’ve ever put on aid going into that area. “

Yesterday also marked the release of a Government Accountability Office report on foreign assistance in general, advocating increased intra-governmental cooperation and improved regional assistance plans.

Coincidentally, I live fairly close to the Turkish embassy in Tel Aviv. A group of approximately 60 protesters, when I walked by, stood across the street from the embassy waving Armenian flags and holding signs condemning the Armenian genocide. Turkey-Israel ties remain strained since Operation Cast Lead that Turkish officials repeatedly criticized as tantamount to genocide.

Despite tensions between Israel and Egypt over the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman toForeign Minister due to comments he previously made telling Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to “go to hell,” the controversial politician met with Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman on his recent trip to Israel. Suleiman, potentially the next Egyptian president, also met with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. According to reports, the meetings improved relations, with officials on both sides reinforcing the strategic importance of the alliance. Prior to upcoming meetings with President Obama, officials also coordinated their priorities with both Israel and Egypt now attempting to curb Hezbollah and Iranian threats.

Meanwhile, Mubarak invited Netanyahu to Cairo in May, although stressed that the invitation does not extend to Lieberman. However, some reports indicate that Lieberman received a separate invitation to Cairo from Sulieman. Cairo remains the site where internal Palestinian reconcilliation negotiations, talks to free abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, and cease-fire discussions between Israel and Hamas occur.

Over the last 90 days, since the beginning of the Obama Administration, the pro-Israel lobby and establishment appeared quite regularly in the news for treating the government like a marionette. First, Charles Freeman withdrew his nomination for chairman on the National Intelligence Council due to concerns that he sympathized with Arabs and did not espouse a unilaterally pro-Israel posture. Second, Knesset Member Ya’acov Katz from the religious National Union party called on White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel to remember his Jewish and Israeli roots in confronting challenges, including forging an Israel-Palestine peace. Lastly, it emerged that Rep. Jane Harman, formerly the ranking-Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, allegedly considered intervening in espionage cases involving two former American Israel Public Affairs Committee officials. All of these cases represent the intent of Israel-supporting interest groups attempting to intervene in internal U.S. matters without understanding that public officials’ sole loyalty rests with the United States.

The American electoral, legislative, and administrative systems offer wide-ranging transparency into almost every decision and initiative. With few exceptions, citizens, advocates, and lobbyists can interject their opinions and preferences into the discourse between the White House and Congress in order to pursue a certain agenda. Even the Freedom of Information Act exists in order to facilitate and expand transparency by permitting private citizens, academics, and journalists alike to access internal government documents. The open character of the government remains crucial to American democracy, even though it permits unelected, single-issue advocates increased influence over the system.

The pro-Israel establishment is not overwhelmingly exceptional in terms of access and influence over policy makers compared to other interest groups. Many organizations, such as the National Rifle Association and pro-labor institutions, interject their own interests into the political discourse on Capitol Hill and in the White House. Some politicians remain dependent on funds from these groups and their support in order to ensure the success of reelection campaigns. The three aforementioned instances of pro-Israel establishment influence-peddling marks the advocacy of one particular interest community, although the tactics remain ubiquitous among all lobbying groups, regardless of political orientation and agenda.

However, the withdrawal of Freeman, the letter aimed at swaying the White House Chief of Staff, and the alleged intention of an elected official to circumvent the judicial process all reinforce a frightening trend in the lobbyist community- dismissing American interests in order to place one particular agenda in the foreground, in this case Israel.

The potential appointment of Freeman would allow an incredibly accomplished public servant to oversee only one aspect of the massive intelligence network employed by the United States. Many individuals at the head of the other intelligence and analysis agencies as well as officials within the National Intelligence Council advocate an unfettered alliance with Israel. One appointment would not affect the close ties and shared values between the nations, even though recent elections in both countries could slightly strain the relationship in the short-term.

The letter sent to Emmanuel intends to appeal to the heritage of the White House Chief of Staff, asking him to preempt the pure national interest of the United States for favorable treatment towards one nationality. Emmanuel maintains one loyalty, and that is to the United States. Any attempts to manipulate and subvert this allegiance by any group invalidate those efforts by clearly showing anti-American intentions.

Undermining the judicial process in espionage related cases assaults the foundation of any sovereign country. The intelligence community and policy makers share state secrets at their own behest, not through agents in collaboration with foreign entities. By undercutting judicial proceedings for individuals working against the interests of the United States, the legal process remains marred through the influence of special interests that consider U.S. institutions as subservient to their own, narrow concerns.

The intelligence community should constitute individuals with varying opinions; White House officials should serve the President and the American people, regardless of faith; traitors, saboteurs, and spies should feel the full brunt of the American judicial and penal systems. Policy makers reliant on interest groups should prioritize their constituents, American interests, and the judicial process above those initiatives advocated by any lobby, pro-Israel or not.

Luckily, enough members of the Obama Administration and Congress remain distanced from the interests of one sole lobby. Policymakers in both branches of government, including Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair, Emmanuel, and many members of the Congressional intelligence panels, prioritize U.S. interests regardless of lobbyist influence. Even though some pro-Israel advocates insist on pursuing their own limited agenda, thereby potentially harming the United States and its institutions in the process, enough public servants steadfastly reject this influence, understanding its detrimental effect. The pro-Israel establishment can derail some appointments, mail letters inciting ethnocentric allegiances, and advocate the sabotage of fair trials, but the bulk of policymakers remain devoted to their one true loyalty, placing U.S. interests at the forefront of any policy decisions.