Global unpopularity wearing down Israeli government

Electronic Intifada - Benjamin Netanyahu's advisers conceded last week that the Israeli prime minister is more downcast than they have ever seen him. The reason for his gloominess is to be found in Israel's diplomatic and strategic standing, which some analysts suggest is at its lowest ebb in living memory.

Netanyahu's concern was evident at a recent cabinet meeting, when he was reported to have angrily pounded the table. "We are in a very difficult international arena," the Haaretz newspaper quoted him telling ministers who wanted to step up settlement-building. "I suggest we all be cautious."

A global survey for Britain's BBC published on Monday will have only reinforced that assessment: Israel was rated among the least popular countries, with just 21 percent seeing it in a positive light.

A belated realization by Netanyahu that he has exhausted international goodwill almost certainly explains -- if mounting rumors from his office are to be believed -- his mysterious change of tack on the peace process.

After refusing last year to continue a partial freeze on settlement-building, a Palestinian pre-requisite for talks, he is reportedly preparing to lay out an initiative for the phased creation of a Palestinian state.

Such a move would reflect the Israeli prime minister's belated recognition that Israel is facing trouble on almost every front....
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