By law, successive governments in Israel must abide by agreements reached by previous governments. Things that have not been formally agreed upon, may or may not be honored. But as Israeli governments have a tendency of changing not only after 4 years, but sometimes after 1 year, time is of the essence. That is why negotiations should not drag on for years.

It should be understood that hawkish governments aren’t always a threat to previous negotiations. They could indeed turn out exactly the opposite – a blessing. It is important to remember that those Israeli leaders who handed back more control, evacuated more settlements, and withdrew from more territory, have been Netanyahu, Sharon, and Begin.

Hawkish governments also have a supportive dovish opposition that will make it easier to ratify a peace treaty. Sharon’s withdrawal from Gaza, for example, received the support of his opposition.

Lastly, when we consider the current Likud led government, there is no political leader, even in the back rows, which seems to be able to catch up to PM Netanyahu’s authority and popularity. Therefore, there is much more hope to see continuity over his reign, which will allow Israel and its neighbors, Syria chiefly amongst them, to finalize peace treaties. Netanyahu has brought stability to the Israeli political arena. He is the one Syria should negotiate with.