Israel Matzav

Netanyahu agrees to 'Palestinian state' in 'interim borders'?

Aluf Benn reported on Friday afternoon that Prime Minister Netanyahu has agreed to the establishment of a 'Palestinian state' within 'interim borders.'

Netanyahu considers such an interim step a possible way to unfreeze the stalled political process that was created because of the Palestinian leadership's refusal to resume talks on a final settlement. However, the prime minister insists on delaying discussion on the final status of Jerusalem to the end of the process, and refuses to agree to a freeze on Jewish construction in East Jerusalem.

Netanyahu and his aides have held intensive contacts in recent days with representatives of the U.S. administration in an effort to contain the crisis in the relations between the two countries.

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The formula of a Palestinian state within temporary borders was included in the second stage of the road map of 2003, but the Palestinians, and Mahmoud Abbas at their head, opposed it then and oppose it now, considering it a recipe for keeping Israeli occupation of the territories in place.

Three Israeli politicians - Defense Minister Ehud Barak, President Shimon Peres and MK Shaul Mofaz of Kadima - tried to advance the idea of a Palestinian state within temporary borders during the past year, as a reasonable recipe for breaking out of the current political stalemate that was created since elections in Israel. Netanyahu is now leading toward their view, after losing hope of moving toward a permanent settlement with Abbas.

If this initiative progresses, it is expected to result in objections from the parties on the right, who oppose any concession to the Palestinians. Establishing a Palestinian state in the West Bank, or even a partial framework with temporary borders, will require Israel to withdraw from more territory and perhaps even evacuate settlements. But if the Palestinians reject the idea - as is expected - Netanyahu will be able to claim that they are once more missing an opportunity for a settlement by being stubborn and rejectionist.

In an interview to Udi Segal and Yonit Levy on Channel 2 Thursday, Netanyahu said "there will be no freeze in Jerusalem." He said that "the peace process depends on one thing: removing preconditions to negotiations."

Netanyahu warned that if Israel withdraws from Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem, "Iran will be able to enter there," as it did in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, "but this will be as part of a final settlement. Meanwhile they tell me that I cannot build and plan on French Hill."

I doubt that he could get anything through his cabinet right now that would involve expelling Jews from their homes, and I doubt the 'Palestinians' are going to agree to it anyway (yes, I know they accepted the 'road map,' but they're never held to what they accept).

And what about the first phase of the 'road map'?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:42 AM