In the aftermath of the European Union Foreign Ministers Council endorsing the French Initiative on June 20, Israel and the Palestinian Authority are engaged in a diplomatic battle over the EU position on permanent status.

In his talks in Brussels, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin presented Israel’s case in his unique style to the leadership of the European Parliament.

There is a sense of satisfaction within the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah with the decision of the Foreign Ministers Council.

A senior Palestine Liberation Organization official told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that policy-planning officials were now charged with exploring various policy proposals that could be adopted within the framework of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative: “We take the Paris declaration at face value and expect a similar wording in the [soon to be published] Quartet report. We will exert pressure on the international community, especially the EU, to create a more detailed frame of reference for a two-state solution.” He told Al-Monitor that while the basic Palestinian position on all permanent status issues is well-known to the EU, thought is now being given to ways to creatively bridge gaps between Palestinian positions and Israeli concerns on two key issues: recognizing Israel as a Jewish state and security arrangements.