People wonder how the unique mixture of international anti-Israel venom, a biased media, and the nudge-wink of unbiased negotiations combine to screw Israel. This is how:

Defense Minister Ehud Barak came to the American capital with the label "doubter" concerning the negotiations with the Palestinians already pinned firmly to his lapel. Barak assumes that the Palestinians are taking into account two scenarios from which they could benefit: a conference that fulfills their expectations, or a failure, for which Israel is blamed. High-ranking Israeli sources tried cautiously to probe this week just how far U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice intends to go at Annapolis. Will the president let her, for example, put on the table a bridging proposal of her own that will compel Israel to accept a dubious deal, or, alternately, to enter into open conflict with the administration?

This is the lie that Israel's opponents tell when they complain that "the Israelis are refusing to even talk." In diplomacy it's never just talking. Once the Israelis agree to consider anything - no matter how provisionally - it's as if they've agreed to it. Does Israel merely consider placing themselves under the jurisdiction of an International Court? The diplomatic community acts as if they did. Does Israel merely consider reviewing the opportunity for peace talks? They get attacked if those peace talks never materialize. Does Israel take under advisement a particular peace proposal or security concession? The entire world acts as if they signed a formal document, and moves the ball forward for the Palestinians for future negotiations.

The "well, would you ever consider something like this..." wedge has been used over and over again to extract Israeli concessions and distort the playing field of negotiations. And everyone knows that that's how it works. They just barely go through the motions of pretending that they don't.

References:
* Rice's devotion, Barak's skepticism, Olmert's coalition [Ha'aretz]
* Safeguards in International Law - Yeah, We Were Just Kidding About That [MR]

Previously:
* Israeli Magen David Adom has to Get Approval - From Palestinian Red Crescent
* How Treaties in the Middle East Really Work
* Hamas Decides to Be Helpful, Illustrates Many Ways International Law is Structured Against Israel