14 Quotes by Chemi Shalev

Psychologically, in the long term, this could have a very profound impact in the sense that Israelis are grieving for an Arab monarch or identifying with an Arab nation, something that's never happened before. I think, however, in the short term, if we judge it in political terms, it's not going to have much of an effect.

As one of his aides once said, he has antifreeze in his blood... He is a very cool character, and when you judge him by his public performances you would think that everything is hunky-dory and going great. But an analytical assessment of the situation shows he is in trouble, despite the brave face that he's putting on.

It seems that now Arafat may have an incentive to sign the agreement. Before, he was concerned that it would give Netanyahu the image of a peacemaker and would get him off the hook of international pressure. But now it seems such a thing won't happen even if Netanyahu does sign a Hebron agreement.

The issue of releasing Palestinian prisoners is very unpopular in Israel, and if he goes too far, he'll suffer more than by his failure to reach an agreement.

I don't think Mr. Sharon has given up his hope of achieving the ultimate post of prime minister. As long as he has these ambitions, I think he will be a danger to Mr. Netanyahu.