Strategic Assessment

On a day-to-day level, the agenda of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is set by the principal parties themselves. However, international parties are also displaying direct interest in the conflict and are involved in an attempt to bring it to an end. This involvement occasionally fosters coalitions to advance particular issues, though not necessarily according to expected alliances. For example, two positions have emerged regarding elections to the Palestinian Legislative Council: the American administration and Hamas are in favor of holding the elections while Israel and the Palestinian Authority are interested in their postponement. Thus, international involvement in the conflict heightens the complexity in finding a way to advance a solution. Described below are the viewpoints of the four key players regarding the next stage of managing the conflict: Israel, the Palestinians, the international community, and the Arab world.