GI representatives brief Dutch journalists at...

The Geneva Initiative hosted a briefing for a group of 25 Dutch journalists at our Tel Aviv offices. The event was part of the journalists' schedule in a seminar in the region sponsored by the Hague based Centre for Information and Documentation Israel (CIDI).

 

Michal Radoshitsky, GI Director of Foreign Relations, outlined the principles and activities of the Geneva Initiative. She referenced a new poll conducted by the Hebrew University which showed a marked increase in both Israeli and Palestinian public support for the Geneva Initiative. She stressed the importance of public outreach to garner further support for the peace process discussing the GI's avenues of education and diplomacy.

 

Former MK Colette Avital gave an analysis of current prospects in the peace process. She discussed the potential within the current political climate for reaching a negotiation, and stressed the importance of immediate action. She stated that the situation is only getting worse, making it harder each day to achieve an agreement. According to Colette Avital, the biggest challenge moving forward is changing Israeli public opinion, which is increasingly tired of the struggle. She stated the need for a “new attitude” of optimism and confidence in Israel's strength to negotiate a peaceful settlement with the Palestinians. She said that the current government would benefit from friendly persuasion and support from the international community and especially the United States to assure Israel’s commitment to the negotiation process.