But let’s stop for a second, and think about this currently un-findable Aljazeera report about Israeli mobilization for war, and Syrian allegations of such. As stated before, it is not in Israel’s interests (Israel, not Avigdor) to go to war with Syria. Period. Netanyahu gets that, Barak gets that, Israel gets that.

On the other hand, claiming that Israel is wholly disingenuous and in fact preparing for war seems to fit nicely into Syria’s (Assad and co. And we all know there is not much room for dissent within the Syrian regime, so while Lieberman does not speak for the entire Israeli government, I feel that it is safe to say that a statement coming from one part of the Syrian government speaks for the whole team) agenda.

Israel the monster, Israel the bellicose, Israel the war-craven. That is the Israel that works for the Syrian regime. How better to distract their people from the fact that there is a virtual stranglehold on society by an ethnic minority with a penchant for repressing and occasionally slaughtering dissidents than with a barb tossed at the Zionist Entity?

And as we all well know, the Syrian regime’s anti-Israel sentiment does not flow from compassion for the Palestinians. We need only look back to Syria’s direct interactions with Palestinian forces in Lebanon during those years of turmoil and liquid alliances (and yes, it was Assad the father then, but let’s be frank, an Assad is an Assad). As Raymond Hinnebusch asks rhetorically: “What can be the substance of an Arabist policy which… attacks the Palestinian Resistance, the very expression of the Arab cause?”

I believe that Netanyahu (who is Prime Minster, not Lieberman) is seriously interested in pursuing negotiations with Syria- not out of the goodness of his heart, clearly, but out of the sober realpolitik that is his trademark. It is time for Syria to tone down its rhetoric and step up to negotiations (which must be without preconditions, as must all negotiations, but the precondition-y rhetoric: “Bilal reiterated Syria’s position that peace could be achieved only with the return of all territories Israel captured in 1967″ raises serious doubts as to the seriousness of the Syrian side, sirs).

Both are within the bounds of reason in being angry, but that Syrian anger is justified when Israel claims to be working towards peace while mobilizing its troops – a double-standard with which the Arab world is familiar. I don’t believe where troop movements are going on is very indicative because Israel has proven itself capable of surprising its enemies before, so Syria can be rightfully worried. Yes, Syria should make goodwill gestures, but if Israel continues to try and intimidate others I’m not surprised if they get angry. The Lieberman-troop movements combination is more than frustrating.

I haven’t found any indications of IDF maneuvers in the Negev so I’d be interested to see where you’re getting that. What’s critical here though is that its the Negev. Not the Golan. Not the Galilee. Presumably not the Northern Command. I think Moallem gravely misinterpreted what’s been being said by the Israeli cabinet. The message from Jerusalem is clear:
http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1148005.html
Ehud Barak has also made repeated overtures in the last few weeks about engaging Syria (I’m thinking his speech at the Herzliya Conference).

Likewise, If I were a country, I’d be wary if my Northern border was with two states that don’t recognize my existence and serve as a conduit of arms and money to groups that actively seek my total demise.

Peace is tough. Its much more difficult that beating the drums of war, and I make no excuses for this Israeli government. They could be doing much more; however, Syria deserves no excuses either. Assad could also do more to assuage the trepidations of the Israelis.

Most parties do seem (at least tacitly) uninterested in war – it would be too costly, to be sure. But while I wouldn’t characterize Israeli overtures for peace as ‘belligerent,’ I would hardly say that they have been willing to make real steps regarding the Golan – that is the real meaning of this ‘no pre-conditions’ deal.