One senior diplomatic official in Jerusalem characterized Rice’s upcoming visit as one of “stock-taking” a year after the Annapolis Conference. “She understands that she can’t reach an agreement, but wants a summary.”
According to this official, Rice would likely produce a paper documenting where things stood before she took office, where the situation stood now, and what her recommendations were for pushing the process forward. The purpose of such a paper, the official said, would be to leave the next administration with terms of reference so “they won’t have to start from scratch.”
An assessment like this does not help Israel. Likely it will set a floor on what Israel must do and demand little of the Palestinians. It won’t just be the basis for the next administration, but could well hamstring a Likud government if one is elected next year.
UPDATE: See a related discussion at Daled Amos.
Crossposted on Soccer Dad.
