The Israeli reaction to the establishment of the Palestinian unity government was knee-jerk and expected: There is no basis for negotiation with this government either. As far as Israel is concerned, Palestinian recognition of the 2002 Beirut summit resolutions, or the new government's acceptance of the prisoners' document, are not in keeping with Israel's three basic conditions. Without specifically recognizing Israel, without recognizing previously signed agreements between Israel and the Palestinians and without renouncing violence, this Palestinian government, Israel argues, is no different than the previous one, the "Hamas government."

Israel's demands are legitimate. A country cannot conduct diplomatic negotiations with a government that does not recognize its right to exist. Neither is there place for diplomatic talks with those who believe terror is a justified course of action. As long as Israel's citizens were being subjected to terror, the government rejected all attempts to negotiate with the Palestinian Authority under Fatah, a movement that had recognized Israel and signed peace accords with it. For a long time, Israel also refused to meet with PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas on diplomatic or practical matters. Israel took significant unilateral steps, such as the construction of the separation fence or the withdrawal from Gaza, after it concluded there was no one to talk to.

The Palestinian unity government may not necessarily be a partner with whom Israel can negotiate a permanent settlement. But a permanent settlement is not the only type of relationship possible between Israel and the PA; this is true all the more given Israel still lacks a concrete and reasonable proposal for such a settlement.

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In fact, the new Palestinian government does not pretend to say it will bring about a permanent solution. Its goal is first and foremost to restore public order in the PA, to put the local governments in operation, to get the economy moving by paying salaries and creating conditions for new investments, to restore the public's faith in its leadership and yes, perhaps, to reach a permanent settlement with Israel.

Israel has an essential interest in a sustainable, responsible Palestinian government that can take care of its citizens. This is certainly the case now that part of that government, the Hamas movement, has understood that despite its sweeping political victory it must come to terms with reality and establish a national unity government representing all sectors of the Palestinian population. This is a government that may at the very least release Israel from the need to manage the affairs of the Palestinian population directly, and further down the line may even reach security arrangements on which to build trust for the future.

Israel must not reject this opportunity, sink into its usual interpretation of the new government's platform and ignore voices in the Arab world calling for a renewal of the Saudi peace initiative, which can give hope to the Palestinian and the Israeli public.