ABSTRACT
The barrier is a newly established fact on the ground that will undoubtedly influence the course of both nations and their capacity to achieve their goals upon return to the negotiating table in the, as yet, undetermined future. A barrier on the Green Line is an important point of potential convergence between the Israeli need for security and the Palestinian need for contiguous territory. Israel has, indeed, opened up a series of terminal crossings, agricultural gates and checkpoints along the barrier through which it is possible to travel from one side to the other. The international community can play a more productive role in the conflict by promoting peace, moderation and good governance. One important lesson learnt from the recent conflict in Lebanon is that the international community can participate in conflict resolution in the Middle East through carefully crafted peacekeeping operations.
