Israel and Palestine alike have in the past focused their attentions on military force and the acquisition of territory. Last year, however, Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met in the United States to begin peace discussions. In an interview this week Olmert stated “With them, it is all about tanks and land and controlling territories and controlled territories and this hilltop and that hilltop,” he said. “All these things are worthless.” Olmert is recognizing a failure of previous military and armed means of resolution in the area. He now believes that the use of diplomatic means to reach an agreement with Palestinians would be the best way to secure a lasting peace for the area.

This likewise represents recognition of interdependence between the Israel and Palestine. Olmert asserts that until the two can learn to work together and reach a compromise neither will see their goals met. If, however, the two are able to meet in and proceed in accordance with diplomatic means both may be able to see a positive resolution to the conflicts.