Israel Matzav

Netanyahu trying to buy off Haredim?

I've mentioned before how we get free newspapers in our mailbox a couple of times a week. One of them showed up this morning (Monday), and reports that in preparation for Prime Minister Netanyahu's new 'peace initiative,' he plans to buy off the Haredim (ultra-Orthodox) by allowing them to build new housing in the ultra-Orthodox 'settlements' (like Beitar and Kiryat Sefer) and in 'east' Jerusalem neighborhoods (like Ramat Shlomo). Because the Haredim are desperate for new housing, Netanyahu calculates that by throwing them this concession, their parties will not join with the more nationalist parties (like National Union and Jewish Home) and the right wing of the Likud in opposing his new initiative.

You will recall that the new initiative calls for giving the 'Palestinians' a 'state' with 'temporary borders,' which would likely consist of about 60% of Judea and Samaria. It would not necessitate dismantling any Jewish cities or towns in Judea or Samaria.

According to the article, which appears in a paper-only Hebrew publication called b'Mercaz ha'Inyanim (In the Center of Matters), which is specifically directed at the Haredi community, the thaw in the housing market will not be limited to Haredim. The thaw will also include the 'settlement blocs' like Maaleh Adumim and Gush Etzion. However, the 'settlement blocs' constitute far less than the amount of land in Judea and Samaria that Netanyahu proposes to retain when he gifts the 'Palestinians' a 'state' with 'temporary borders.' The 'settlement blocs' constitute less than 10% of Judea and Samaria. No housing permits will be issued for those towns that are outside the 'settlement blocs,' and they will be 'dried out' by not being allowed to expand.

What could go wrong?

Labels: Binyamin Netanyahu, Palestinian state, temporary borders

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 11:17 AM