Institute for the Study of Israel in the Middle East hosts Gadi Baltiansky

November 8-9, 2007 (Co-sponsored with Hebrew Educational Alliance on 11/8/07)

ISIME was fortunate enough to have Gadi Baltiansky as a guest speaker for an Evening and Lunch Lecture. 

Mr. Baltiansky was able to give great insight into what the upcoming Peace Talks in Annapolis, Maryland may bring.  As Mr. Baltiansky emphasized, the upcoming talks can be a major point on road to peace.  It is essential for the Israeli government and PLO to attain mutual recognition, as well as agreed upon borders based upon the 1967 borders.  Furthermore, it is essential that the PLO to be committed to work with Israel, just as it is important for Israel to be committed to work with Israel.  Both sides must acknowledge that while agreements can be met, implementation of agreements is essential.

While the upcoming Maryland peace can lead to greater channels of negotiation, Mr. Baltiansky believes failure to take a risk would be the biggest failure.  Essentially, there are three options as to what can be done:  give up land without expectation of anything in return, use the land for security, or give up land in return of a peace agreement.  While all options have pros and cons, hopefully one option can be agreed upon to bring about a peaceful, two-state solution. 

Mr. Baltiansky concluded his speech with the hope that the Geneva Accords will be the end result of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.  Both lectures ended with a spirited question and answer session.