Below you will find a link to watch the full simulation.
Peter Beinart is a Professor of Journalism and Political Science, the Editor-at-Large of Jewish Currents, a CNN Political Commentator, a frequent contributor to The New York Times and a Fellow at the Foundation for Middle East Peace.
In each simulation participants assume the role of the Israeli Prime Minister, Hamas leader and Palestinian authority president. The rest of the participants are asked to act as either Palestinian or Israeli IPC parliament members.
The parliament unanimously accepted the IPC constitution giving veto power to the Israeli and Palestinian governments over legislation passed by the Parliament which effects their sovereignty.
Mr. Beinart inquired if Hamas is given a veto power as well? The IPC parliament then voted to give a veto power to the Israeli government, Palestinian Authority and Hamas.
The IPC and the separate Israeli and Palestinian governments agreed on legislation requiring both the Israeli and Palestinian governments to teach tolerance in their public schools.
Mr. Beinart was personally supportive of this legislation but raised the possibility that the Israeli government, if faced with this vote, will veto it because the Israeli ultraorthodox community would not be willing to expose its education system to the teaching of tolerance by Palestinian or secular people.
The IPC Parliament and the separate Israeli and Palestinian governments agreed on legislation to create a Joint Economic Zone between Israel and Gaza.
Mr. Beinart, placing himself in the position of an Israeli Parliament member from Ashkelon near Gaza, raised the possibility that he (as opposed to his personal views) would vote against such legislation because his constituents would oppose.
Mr. Beinart questioned the possibility of creating a common government. He questioned the assumption that a large number of Israelis would support it absent a monumental event forcing them to do so. He also raised a strong possibility that the Israeli government would not permit its creation or existence.
