By Schmoel Yitzhak
One of the all-time, right-on statements of the past century belonged to one Israel's most eloquent statesmen, Abba Eban.
After observing yet another rejection of peace by Israel's enemies, Eban asserted that the Arabs, "Never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity."
That commentary was true many decades ago and every ten years since.
It precisely is the point today as the Palestinians have placed yet another obstacle on the road to peace.
Responding to an Israeli project to improve the Kotel (Western Wall), the Arabs immediately -- as if by reflex -- delivered their traditional hue and cry.
A Palestinian Authority spokesman declared that "This move is preventing us from reaching a solution."
Oh, really!
The PA has an endless list of Israeli "moves" that supposedly are halting a "peace" accord with the Jewish state.
My point is not that we should be surprised at the Arab response but rather than it underlines an undeniable point; that there is absolutely no -- ABSOLUTELY NO -- sincerity among the Mahmoud Abbas' gang when it comes to forging a lasting peace with Israel.
What was true when Abba Eban uttered his deathless assertion is vividly true today. Consider the following:
The proposed renovation of Kotel grounds will help accommodate eight-million visitors to The Wall. And it so happens that The Kotel is the most visited site in all of the State of Israel.
Please, -- PLEASE! -- do not forget that the Western Wall is part and parcel of Israel; and always will be. So, what do we hear from the other side. Get this:
"Israel does not have permission to make changes in the occupied territories," said PA spokesman Ghassan Hatib, "especially in Jerusalem."
Well, if that comment doesn't represent the height of chutzpuh, I don't know what does. We have to get "permission" from them. Next will be permission to breathe.
Jerusalem is Israel and the Kotel is the very centerpiece of the only democracy in the Middle East.
"The Western Wall is the Jewish people's most important heritage site," asserted Benjamin Netanyahu.
Which explains why the government is spending 85 million new Israeli shekels on the Kotel development project.
But, I digress.
The Arab reaction is so typically -- so disgustingly -- hostile that one wonders what manner of objection they next will raise over an Israeli building project or, for that matter, just about anything done by Israelis between Metulla and Eilat.
Does Abbas, Inc. genuinely want peace?
Not when they protest so commendable a program as the Kotel renovation.
After all the Kotel project once again presents the Palestinians with an opportunity.
Yessiree, Bob -- another opportunity to miss an opportunity.
Otherwise known as PEACE!
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