The Jerusalem Gambit
Page 21
The newly elected members of the Knesset, members of the Government, and the guest invited to assist in the ceremony stood in the courtyard facing an army of journalists. Despite the civilian losses of life, and the damage to the building symbolizing the sovereignty of Israel, the President of the Knesset asked each member if they wanted to continue with the swearing-in ceremony or postpone it. He took special care when asking the opinion of Nashwa Shamoon, because she had just lost her father in the attack. With pain in her heart and tears in her eyes, she answered that despite her grief the ceremony should go on, otherwise it would be seen as giving in to terrorism. She added that postponing it would be a victory for the terrorists, and she was not ready to give them that satisfaction.
The new members of the Knesset took their oath in open air, facing the Supreme Court Building.
When it was Nashwa Shamoon’s turn to take her oath, the emotions ran high through the crowd and the journalists respectfully lowered their cameras. She was sworn-in in total silence. She repeated her oath in a shaky but resolute voice, her words reaching the hearts of all the people gathered in the courtyard; only the cracklings of the fire reminded them of the grim moments they had witnessed. There were tears on many faces, but they continued to listen without moving, appreciating the courage of the only Arab member of the newly elected government. When her swearing-in was over, a thunderous of applause broke the silence; even the journalist forgot their duties, left their cameras on the ground and joined in the applause, clapping their hands wildly. She had lost her father in the attack, but she had gained a family.
Epilogue
In a major shift of policy and despite of its overwhelming military capacity, Israel decided not to retaliate for the Knesset attack. In return, Syria and Lebanon outlawed the middle and long-range ballistic missiles and cruise missiles on their territories. Hamas, after some arm twisting, joined the agreement.
Upon the request of Nashwa Shamoon, the only Arab member of the Government, a proposal of the government was adopted by the National Security Council and Israel started negotiations with Syria and Lebanon through the services of Switzerland. The USA, Russia, China, and the EU sponsored the negotiations and offered economical and financial packages to these countries.
In the Palestinian territories, Hamas accepted the Oslo accords made with Israel, de facto, recognizing Israel’s right to exist within secure borders, and renounced the principle of a Palestine being ruled by Islamic Law. Hamas also agreed with the PLO, and Fatah in the West Bank, to hold new democratic elections for one parliament and one government based in East Jerusalem. Whatever the result of the elections, all Palestinian parties joined and negotiated with Israel, based on the Trump Proposal, and worked together to make a counteroffer. The first installment of the financial package of the Trump Proposal was made available for the Palestinian economy.
A peace agreement was drafted between Israel and the Gulf Emirates with the backing of Saudi Arabia. There were rumors that even the Saudis were getting ready for a formal recognition of Israel.
After his recovery by the Syrian troops, Ghassan was treated for his shoulder wound. He received the Order of Military Merit from the hands of President Al-Assad. The PIJ was expelled from his village and replaced again by Hezbollah. He joined his family in his village, where he was received as a war hero.
Colonel Latif Almaty-Sarraf and Captain Hamza from the Syrian Air Defense Intelligence were demoted and assigned to the Planning Office of the Ministry of Transport of Syria.
Darib left the Hezbollah forces, returned to his native Lebanon, and continued chasing woman in Beirut.
Mirza Dogairi of the Iranian al-Quds Intelligence retired and moved to Nicosia in Cyprus.
Ridwan Maaloof took a flight to Cyprus on the day of the attack, got himself a new identity, moved to Brussels and married a French woman.
Mossad Director Tamir Cohen offered his resignation, but it was refused by the new Prime Minister. He quit smoking cigarettes, but started smoking the pipe.
Air Intelligence Group director Brig. General Amit Ahav resigned and now lives a peaceful life in a kibbutz in the north of Israel.
Naama Dwek continues working night and day and got a promotion as a shift manager. She has been earmarked by her superiors for a bright career in the intelligence community.
Tal Mizrahi refused a promotion, and continues serving as a Sayeret Maglan team commander, but is considering Tamir’s offer to work for Mossad.