Addressing the President’s Conference in Jerusalem, retired Mossad Intelligence Agency Director Meir Dagan explains we are witnessing sweeping changes in the region, so much so they are resulting in a new Mideast. Dagan added that some of the Arab leaders known to Israel are simply vanishing from the scene. He stresses the process is not over and we cannot predict the outcome.

Dagan added that if necessary, Israel may relinquish control of the Jordan Valley and if need be, Israel can defend the pre-1967 borders as well. “The borders don’t matter. The Jordan Valley was significant until 1991” he explained, citing at one time there was a threat from Jordan, Styria and Iraq, but today, this is less of an issue. “These threats have disappeared entirely” he exclaimed.

Speaking at the Jerusalem Convention Center in a panel discussion, he was joined by former Ambassador to Washington Itamar Rabinowitz, former Ambassador to the UN Dore Gold and former US Ambassador to Israel Dan Kurtzer.

Dagan feels recent Arab League peace overtures must serve as a basis for negotiations towards ending hostilities and reaching peace accords with a number of Arab nations. He feels the current realty offers unprecedented opportunity to enter into talks with a number of nations. Dagan supports immediate and intense negotiations with the PA (Palestinian Authority).

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)