iF October DIGITAL September-October 2020 | Page 36

this case, the peace with the Emirates is groundbreaking, and they want to do it as soon as possible. Heidi PP: When do you think there will be a formal signing? In the near future, what do you feel is going to happen in the Arab world as a result of this agreement? Hon. Gilad Katz: I expect a formal signing in September. I believe that by this time next year, there will be three or four more Arab countries asking for a peace agreement with us. That is my belief and my aspiration. As I said, up to now there was very little direct dialogue between an Arab country and us. Any communication or action from an Arab country went through the Palestinians. Now that has changed, the Emirates changed that. I am not kidding myself or allowing myself to think only of my aspirations. It will take time for the Palestinians to realize that the relationship between Israel and the Arab world has changed irrevocably. The Palestinians have to decide where they want to see their children in 15 to 20 years. Do they want them to be launching missiles and living on the brink of war? Or do they want them to have an education and enjoy culture. They can’t be forced to come to an agreement, they have to decide. They can come together with the rest of the Arab world. Heidi PP: I am sure the sooner the agreement is signed the better for all concerned. This has been a delightful meeting, and an educational one. We are happy that you will be with us for another year. It is always a pleasure 36 iF Magazine |September-October 2020 working with you. I am with you when you say that by this time next year, hopefully, we will be able to meet without masks and without any worries about a virus. We will look back and say what a terrible year we had and move forward. Please keep us informed of any events or news we can share with our readers. Heidi PP Editor in Chief iF Magazine [email protected] [phone] Hon. Gilad Katz Consul General of Israel in Houston [phone] [email protected]