Abbas’s explicit calls for oblivion

The Palestinian Authority has surpassed itself with ludicrous statements revealing the extent to which it will subjugate itself to the occupation authorities. Speaking during a meeting with Israeli mayors after the appointment of Avigdor Lieberman as defence minister was made public, President Mahmoud Abbas asserted that the PA judged people “on their practices on the ground” rather than in relations to comments or political affiliations.

Quoted by Ma’an news agency, Abbas stated: “If Lieberman shows that he really accepts the two-state solution, we will forget his previous remarks describing Palestinian diplomacy as terroristic.”

Given the level of collusion with entities supporting the destruction of Palestine, it is no surprise that Abbas is taking an identical approach to Lieberman, who is notorious for his disdain for the international community and intent to destroy Palestinians. Israel has thrived upon an evolution of political rhetoric that pairs purported collaboration and adherence to international law with condescension. It’s a strategy validated by the international community in its scramble to protect the colonial entity in Palestine.

There are various implications for Palestinians from the latest declaration by Abbas. Given the PA’s reluctance to consider anything but diplomacy as the means to achieve its objectives, a few carefully chosen words by Lieberman are being interpreted as an acceptance of the two-state paradigm, despite the treachery inherent in such discourse. Although obsolete in practice, the internationally-imposed complicity is still serving diplomatic interests, particularly those of Israel. Whether or not Lieberman is disposed to consider the framework is irrelevant; Israel’s interests are protected by the mere regurgitation of two-state rhetoric. Hence, Abbas has not only invalidated his statements, but also sought to embroil Palestinians in yet another PA gimmick.

Apart from the abhorrent insistence upon complicit diplomacy to the exclusion of other options, including legitimate armed resistance, the PA’s perpetual references to, and impositions of, oblivion as opposed to strengthening collective memory, is by far one of the most damaging scenarios for the people of Palestinian. Every action undertaken by the PA is an exercise in oblivion; however, there are instances where Abbas deems it pertinent to issue an explicit recommendation to take that route.

Undoubtedly, the PA president is partial to opposing Palestinian collective memory, given that he is undaunted by the overt action which Netanyahu is taking to steer colonialism at a faster pace. Expecting Palestinians to comply, or even feign acquiescence, with the erroneous reference to forgetting Lieberman’s remarks is another story. Such comments should be considered as a form of incitement by Palestinian leaders against the people they claim to represent, even though Palestinians have constantly proved their allegiance to land and resistance, not to Abbas.

The only vicious implication as regards Palestinian diplomacy on behalf of the PA is directed towards Palestinians themselves. Mired in complicity, Abbas’ statement only singles out a sliver of Lieberman’s rhetoric while discarding all evidence of Zionist colonial violence against Palestinians, of which the new defence minister has not only been a keen supporter but also a prime instigator during his time as foreign minister. Abbas is basically calling for Palestinians to forget the PA’s role in perpetuating the unending trauma of loss and its collaboration with Israel in its settlement expansion, security, torture and murder. Needless to say, it is also a remark that will add to Palestinian resentment against Abbas and the PA, as well as recognition that an organised strategy emanating from the people is not an option, but a necessity.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.