The recent talks between Palestinian and Israeli officials in Washington have achieved “nothing.” Israel’s attempt to persuade the Palestinians to do what the Syrians have so far refused-strike a deal at the expense of legality and legitimate rights-has come to no avail. The apparent reason is Israel’s attitude towards the peace process as an “occupier.”

Barak has once more presented his infamous “No’s” to the legitimate Palestinian refugees’ right of return, the return to the June 1967 borders, and a no-compromise policy towards the Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territories; Barak insists that the settlements remain under Israeli sovereignty.

Israel’s position towards Jerusalem remains unchanged, and thus, shortsighted; Barak asserted that the city would remain under Israeli sovereignty, with certain heavily Palestinian-populated areas as exceptions, areas that are in no way considered as part of Jerusalem’s municipal boundaries, such as Bethany, Al-Ram, and Abu-Dis.

With such conditions, “striking a deal” seems unreachable. Barak’s vision for peace is trapped in Israel’s self-centered approach of “dictating” a final agreement, rather than taking up its expected role as a partner for peace.