WILLIAM THE PEACEMAKER
In the never-ending turmoil of the Middle East and the intractable deadlock between the Israelis and Palestinians, could a seemingly impossible breakthrough be achieved by...
THE Duke of Cambridge was cast in the unfamiliar role of Middle East peacemaker yesterday when Israel’s president asked him to take a message of hope to the Palestinian premier.
On a historic first official visit by a member of the Royal Family to Israel, Prince William found himself being drawn into the complex politics of the region and asked to act as a peace envoy.
British officials insisted that was not William’s role but hope his landmark visit to the Jewish state and the occupied Palestinian West Bank this week will act as a catalyst, highlighting the need to kickstart a long-stalled peace process in the world’s most intractable dispute.
William’s bold move in embarking on the visit at the request of the British Government has sparked a call for peace from Israel to the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and placed the second in line to the throne into the
role of a statesman. Welcoming the future king to his official residence in Jerusalem, Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin said: “I know you are going to meet President Abbas. I would like you to send him a message of peace and tell him it is about time that we have to find together the way to build confidence.
“Build confidence as a first step to bring to understanding that we have to bring to an end the tragedy between us that goes along for more than 120 years.”
William, who has adopted a more statesmanlike approach on this tour than ever before, will visit the West Bank today and sit down for talks with Mr Abbas.
He told President Rivlin: “I very much hope that peace in the area can be achieved.”
The move comes during a period of tension in the area.
Dozens of Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces during protests this year at the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip in the runup to celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.
In a speech at a British embassy garden party in Tel Aviv last night, William said: “This region has a complicated and tragic history – in the past century the people of the Middle East have suffered great sadness and loss.
“Never has hope and reconciliation been more needed. I know I share a desire with all of you, and with your neighbours, for a just and lasting peace.
“The United Kingdom stands with you, as we work together for a peaceful and prosperous future.”
After 70 years of avoiding sending senior royals on official visits to Israel and the Palestinian territories for fear of upsetting one side or another amid the cycle of violence, the Government has decided to change tack and try to normalise relations in the hope of helping them find a path to peace.
The president, 78, told the Duke that Jerusalem had welcomed many kings and princes in its history.
“You are the first one not to come only as a prince but as a pilgrim to the Holy Land,” he said. “We welcome you from the bottom of our heart.”
On a busy day of engagements in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Jaffa, William also met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, who was last week charged with fraud and accused of illegally claiming £75,000 for gourmet meals.
In Jaffa to show British support for efforts to create better understanding between Jews and Arabs, the Prince met children from both backgrounds taking part in a crosscommunity football project.
Beneath a huge poster of England captain Harry Kane, William scored two out of three in a penalty shootout.
His first shot was saved by a young goalkeeper but the other two hit the back of the net and the Duke, who is president of the FA and a keen Aston Villa supporter, celebrated.
The event at an outdoor pitch in Jaffa was staged by two charities – The Equaliser, which provides football training alongside education, and the Peres Centre, founded by former Israeli president Shimon Peres to promote peace.
Before he took his penalties, William told some of the charity supporters: “The potential of sport to bring people together is huge. I’m so pleased to see something like this.”
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Israel international striker Tomer Hemed was also on hand at the event.
Hemed, 31, said: “I think it’s amazing that these organisations give the kids a chance to play football all over the country. It’s important to show that they can play together and be friends.
“It was a big honour to meet William. He told me he was a big football fan and we talked a little bit about England.
“They’ve had a very good start in the World Cup and I hope they will do well.”