If you want to know what the mindset of the Israeli government is, you need to read this interview. Mr. Arad is the chief security advisor of Mr. Netanyahu.

It is very clear that we are going back one full decade in the mindset of the Israelis. There is a total breakdown of any faith that the Middle East might change. Threats and suspicion are the most popular currency, feeding the tunnel vision of non-dialog. As you might say, not much has changed, and the Tribal and Identity politics continue being the trend.

The tribalism of the Middle East is so deeply ingrained, that it is practically part of the landscape. The Chamula (extended family) comes first, then the religion, and then the territory.

There is no wish to join the global community, or the global commons. Arabs and Jews alike find in the tribal fire a warm secluded place to get cozy. The world out there is too edgy and technical, and fraught with unknown dangers. No positive value in the all-embracing view of interdependence.

The Middle East needs to break out of this biblical mentality, that the world is only as important as the next water well, or the honor of your tribe.

I think 5000 years is enough…. ?