THE DANGERS Inside: Seven OF A Important PALESTINIAN Articles STATE

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The Dangers of a Palestinian State

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 Israeli-Palestinian Peace: Based upon Security, Freedom, and a Change of Heart Former U.S. Senator Connie Mack

11 A New Palestinian State: Danger Ahead Douglas J. Feith 14 The Dangers of Establishing a Palestinian State Morton A. Klein 24 The Myth of Demilitarization Bernard Smith 31 Israel’s Water and Environment in Danger Itamar Marcus 35 Withdrawing from History Michael Freund 38 Israeli History in Palestinian Hands Shimon Riklin

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Israeli and Palestinian Peace: Based upon Security, Freedom, and a Change of Heart

FORMER U.S. Senator Connie Mack OF FLORIDA

(The text of a speech deliv- Let me begin with the rule, convinced me that ered before the U.S. Senate question that is on my their hearts and minds on March 3, 1999.) mind today: How is it are set on other goals. possible to engage in The Palestinian leader- Mr. President, I very re- peace negotiations with ship does not want peace. cently traveled to Israel. people who maintain They want, first, their It had been several years the right to obliterate own state which they can since my last visit, and you, who are filled with control with total power. I expected this year we hatred toward you, and Then they want to use would bring some impor- who harbor the dream that state to eliminate tant measures to the Sen- of one day destroying the State of Israel. ate floor. I learned a great your homeland? Peace is deal during the week and a matter of the heart. I Let’s be clear. The peace I rise today to share a few believe in the depths of process, to be meaningful, simple thoughts regard- every person’s heart is must be about more than ing what I saw and what a desire to live in peace. rules and laws and lines went through my mind as But what I saw, which on a map. We can reach the week in Israel un- was the outcome of the a short-term agreement folded. Palestinian Authority on these points, but if the Palestinian leadership Former U.S. Senator Connie Mack, Republican of fails to abandon incite- Florida, chaired the Congressional Joint Economic ment of hatred, perse- Committee, and was a member of the Senate Finance cution, and terrorism, Committee, the Senate Banking Committee, and the then we are all dream- Senate Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. He ing, only dreaming, and was also a member of the Peace Accord Monitoring our President’s behavior Group, which monitors violations of the Oslo accords. must be labeled foolish appeasement. There will

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not be peace until hearts When I wander into the that they were serious and minds are changed, entrance of Jerusalem, about long-term peace and we must focus our I’ll turn into a suicide with their neighbors? attention on these is- warrior in battledress. sues. Mr. President, many In battledress. In I also have some ex- of my colleagues in the battledress. amples from Palestin- Senate and in the House ian textbooks for a are aware of the promo- There is no way I can con- third-grade grammar tion of hatred contained vey to you the emotion of lesson. Here is the task: in the Palestinian media, actually seeing that scene “Complete the following and more significantly in on television. There is no blank spaces with the the Palestinian school- way I can put the emo- appropriate word.” And books. Let me provide tion into what she was ex- the sentence is, “The some examples. pressing and the emotion Zionist enemy blank ci- that she was expressing vilians with its aircraft.” This is a picture that was as she sang those words. The “correct” answer taken off of Palestinian And after her song, she is, “The Zionist enemy Authority-controlled tele- got an ovation from her attacked civilians with vision. It is a picture of a classmates and from her its aircraft.” For seventh young girl, probably six teacher. graders: “Answer the or seven years old. This is following question: Why a young girl singing into his focuses do the Jews hate Muslim a microphone. She is on us on the unity and want to cause a television show that fundamental division among them? would be what we would difference in Give an example of the refer to as kind of a approachT between the evil attempts of the Mickey Mouse Club type Palestinians and the Jews, from events hap- of show that would be Israelis. I have a grand- pening today.” These are shown to children by the son about that age, about from Palestinian text- Palestinian Authority. I the age of that little girl. books today. One would want to read to you what How would I feel if he expect, rather than focus this little girl is singing. were being taught hatred on hatred, if they were Again, this is a program in school? If he were serious about peace, they that was produced by the being taught hatred on would focus on how the people who are sitting television, how would I two peoples are working across the table from you, feel? How would you feel to live side by side. A supposedly negotiating if your government was history book for twelfth peace. This is what the teaching your children to graders published only little girl is singing: hate? Could you conclude last summer teaches:

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“The clearest examples before moving with his realize that you are really of racist belief and racial wife to Israel. They just simply struggling for a discrimination in the had their second child, a normal life, hoping for world are Nazism and girl named Tamar. peace and security, pray- Zionism.” ing to God, while actually Wendy told the story of living in a war zone. To see this taking place the day she was check- today is chilling. If you ing out of the hospital in I had another profound can, think about it in Jerusalem, two days after meeting during this the context of being in giving birth. In a very or- week. I met one evening Israel and being briefed dinary and matter-of-fact privately—secretly— by a member of the way, the hospital gave her with Arabs who were government with respect the necessities for bring- being persecuted for their to what is happening in ing home a newborn baby. Christian faith. I met what they refer to as the In addition to providing with about ten Palestin- anti-incitement commit- for diapers and other ian Christians. I will tell tee, which was set up by things we would expect, you just one of their the Wye Agreement. To she was handed a gas stories, but I will change be sitting there and seeing mask for her baby. It is some of the details to this, I must say to you, actually a tent which you protect the person I am was chilling. I found it to put your baby under in describing. be extremely chilling. case of a chemical weap- ons attack. I remember an energetic While the government of man, in his early for- Israel makes good-faith n Israel, this prep- ties, at the end of the efforts to come to a peace aration is routine. table. I remember him agreement, the Palestin- Everyone in Israel because he seemed so full ian Authority teaches knows to have a of life and love. He had children hatred. This Igas mask ready. It just a great smile on his face causes me to ask: How becomes a part of the and displayed a wonder- can peace be obtained craziness of everyday life. ful sense of humor. I when the children are But when you bring home say this was memorable being taught hatred? Let a newborn baby, when because, frankly, after me share another story. I you bring home your hearing what he had been attended Shabbat dinner baby and you get the through, I do not know if at the home of Saul and chemical weapons tent I could express the sense Wendy Singer in Jeru- at the hospital, then you of peace and love he did. salem. Saul worked on realize how unordinary This is his story. my staff for seven years life is in Israel today. You

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He had many children thousands of dollars hopes and dreams they and very little money. He to pay off the local had for their children. converted to Christianity authorities. And even I couldn’t help think- in 1993. He clearly loved though he is free, they ing about my own. My God, and he loved to tell are keeping his father in daughter, Debbie, trav- people about his conver- prison. They believe it is eled with me on this trip. sion. He described to me for his son’s beliefs. He She was in the room as how in 1997, the Pales- feels his father is being these stories of brutality tinian Authority asked held hostage to prevent and murder were related. him to come to the police him from talking with There was scarcely a dry station for questioning. people about his faith. eye in the room. When he arrived, he was Needless to say, these immediately arrested Christians met with me I am sure Debbie was and detained on charges at considerable risk. thinking about her three of selling land to Jews. They conveyed to me a little boys, ages 14, 11, He denied this charge, message of fear and des- and 5. We were moved since he was very poor peration. But their mere by the comments made and owned no land. He presence in the room by the parents as they was beaten. He was hung with me demonstrated described to us what had from the ceiling by his their hope, and it also happened. hands for many hours. caused me to ask, how He showed me what I can the people of Israel I understand that the just said. He showed me find peace with the Pal- Palestinian Authority how his hands were tied estinian Authority while knows a great deal about behind his back and then the Palestinian Author- these murderers, but raised from the floor and ity engages in coercion they are not being pun- hung that way for many, and torture based upon ished. Some of them have many hours. religious beliefs? gone to trial and were sentenced, but we don’t fter two I also met with the par- know if they remain in weeks, he ents of American children prison. I was told that was trans- killed by Palestinian ter- we know some have been ferred to rorists. In this meeting, I released. aA larger prison where was struck by the courage he was held for eight displayed by these fami- There are reports that months without trial. lies after suffering the the Palestinian Author- He was released in tremendous loss of a child ity allows them to leave February 1998, after brutally murdered. These prison each day and his family borrowed families told me of the return in the evening—

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like free room and board 1996. They decided not to with whom I spoke. Mrs. more than like prison. I bring their two-year-old Sharon Weinstock lost was also presented with daughter along. Thank her 19-year-old son in a stories of the lioniza- God. On the way home drive-by shooting mas- tion of these murderers from the wedding they terminded by Dief. And in the press and again in were stopped by Palestin- only a year later, Mrs. the classrooms. Try to ian terrorists and killed Wachsmann told me of imagine how you would in a so-called drive-by the kidnap-murder of her feel, try to imagine what shooting. Fifty bullets son, also believed to have would be going through were found to have been been planned by Dief. your mind when you are used in this murder, and dealing with the grief yet, by some miracle, I am told Mohammed of the loss of your child. the baby survived. Even Dief remains a free You know who is respon- with a crime this gross, man today. The obvious sible. You saw them go on the Palestinian Authority lesson—terrorists kill and trial. You saw them then did not arrest everyone those who are not jailed released. You have to ask involved or suspected remain free to kill and to yourself, what are we in the shooting. One of kill again, thanks to the going through this peace those who remained free, Palestinian Authority. process for? it is believed, later took part in the bombing of How would I feel in their I would like to mention the Apropos Café, killing place? I couldn’t keep the one story of many that many others. thought from my mind, I heard. Mrs. Dassberg as I listened. If I had lost sat directly across the nother sus- a child and knew that the table from me. When she pected killer, murderer or accomplices told us of the loss of her according to were on the loose, how daughter and son-in-law, the Israeli would I feel? And if I the lesson of these mur- JusticeA Ministry, was knew the killer remained ders became so clear—we under arrest but given free to kill other people’s must fight terror and we permission to come and children, how would I cannot back off. go as he pleases from feel? It is so hard, hard prison. Mohammed to even consider, but I Mrs. Dassberg’s family, Dief, another suspected do know that I left there her daughter, American Palestinian terrorist, committed to doing what- son-in-law, and their took part in the murder ever I could to help each nine-month-old daughter, of two other Americans, of those families. attended a wedding in at two different times, central Israel on June 9, according to the mothers Once again, I began to

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better understand the destroy dreams. implementation. way the Palestinian Authority leadership In the United States, The process remains alive, was approaching peace. many people seem to but terrorism continues How can one find peace think that if we do not and is exalted by many in with people who do not confront these obstacles the Palestinian Authority, condemn terrorism? Mr. to peace and if we look and reciprocity does not President, how is it pos- the other way, then we exist. The United States’ sible to engage in peace will be able to come to role has been to seek the negotiations with people an agreement. The real- middle ground. Unfortu- who want to teach their ity, however, is just the nately, this only rewards children to die in a holy opposite. If we do not those willing to go to new war against you? How is acknowledge the attitudes extremes. it possible to engage in and acts of those at the peace negotiations with peace table, then the The middle ground people who persecute peace process is already between Prime Minister those of other faiths? over, and we just won’t Netanyahu and Chairman How is it possible to en- admit it. Arafat is not halfway gage in peace negotiations between the two. The with people who keep In other words, the surest United States must not terrorists on the loose way to kill the peace pro- engage in moral equivo- to wreak havoc and evil cess is to avoid confronta- cation. We must not shy against you and praise tion, to fear upsetting a away from holding Arafat them for heroism? belligerent force and to responsible for acts of avoid addressing incite- violence, incitement, and Today the Israeli people ment, violence, persecu- persecution. are exhausted by fifty tion, and terrorism. The years of violence against only way to keep the he United their homes and families, peace process alive is to States must of sending their sons focus on truth, freedom, demonstrate and daughters into the security, and justice. principled lead- army, and they dream of ershipT and end the ap- a promised peace now. Israeli efforts, to date, peasement that perpetu- This is our hope and our have sought to keep ates the cycle of violence. dream as well. But we the peace process alive, The peace process can must not get confused. improve security during only work when leaders History is replete with the negotiating process, uphold their agreements examples of compromis- and obtain reciprocity and answer to the people, es which bring terror and as a vital element of and the United States

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remains a vigilant de- territory, it is unlikely it over the needs of those fender of the principles ever could recover it. The engaging in or supporting which bind us to Israel: Palestinians, on the other terrorism. freedom, democracy, and hand, can turn on and off the rule of law. their promises. In fact, Mr. President, these are this is exactly what they very basic principles. I What should we do? I have done. am not discussing today believe there are three the intricacies of the things. First, we should Second, we should stop peace process, U.S. fund- insist upon the strict paying the Palestinian ing, embassies, or any adherence to Oslo and Authority. Any funds pro- other number of issues the reciprocity codified vided to the Palestinian we will be discussing this at Wye. The purpose people should continue year in the Senate. We of the Wye accord was to go through private need to focus on a more at long last to force the voluntary organizations. fundamental level first. Palestinians to comply We should also monitor And I hope that this with commitments before much more closely the message will be heard further territory would rampant corruption and at 1600 Pennsylvania be turned over. mismanagement of funds Avenue. provided currently. So at Wye, Israel agreed hat I only to turn over terri- And third, we must ag- mean tory in phases, in which gressively seek the bring- when I it could verify Palestinian ing to justice of Palestin- say this is compliance at each and ian terrorists who killed Wthat I hope the President every step. In the first American citizens. I am will hear the message. phase, Israel completed told that our Justice De- I say this from a stand- its redeployment after partment can do a better point not of arrogance, the Palestinian Authority job here, that they have a not of confrontation, completed its tasks. In great deal of information and I do not mean it in a phase two, the Palestin- on the murderers of the political way. I just hope ians did not meet all their Americans who are free in that the President will obligations, and, there- the Palestinian areas and, listen and take another fore, Israel has not yet indeed, can make some look at what he and his turned over the additional requests for indictments. foreign policy team are land. Reciprocity makes It is time to do this. Let’s trying to force the Israeli no sense unless it is based put the needs of the government to do. upon this formulation. American families and Once Israel has ceded other victims’ families There cannot be peace

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until there is a change of years after its indepen- Israel to force a peace heart. I returned from dence. agreement. Today is the this trip with a newfound day to remember it is up concern for the future of ome people to the people of Israel Israel. I saw examples believe, however, to determine their own of incitement. I heard that by ignoring fate—their own secu- examples of persecution this threat, that rity. We should pressure and hatred being taught Sthe peace process can suc- those who fill children throughout Palestinian ceed. Mr. President, it will with slogans of hatred society by their leaders. fail. It is clear to me that and holy war; we should When the people engaged many in the Palestinian pressure them to change. in peace talks return from leadership today see the We should pressure those the negotiating table only peace process toward the who torture; we should to disparage compromise goal of eliminating the pressure them to change. and incite violence, there State of Israel. We should pressure those can be no progress toward who encourage and sup- peace. I suggest today that we port terror and murder, get back to the basics. and those who rejoice in Israel has come a long Peace is not possible while hatred. That is where the way since I first began teaching children to hate pressure should be. following the fate of and kill. Peace is not this state and the people possible while persecut- Now is the time, Mr. of Israel. In so many ing those of other faiths. President, for a return respects, life appears Peace is not possible while to our principled stand. and feels normal. The lionizing terrorism. We The only way to truly economy is developing, must stand up for free- attain peace is to support the standard of living dom, security, and human freedom, democracy, and is growing and improv- dignity. We must stand up justice, and oppose the ing. But just below the to ensure the security of cycle of hatred. We must surface of this normalcy, Israel. We must stand up face tyranny and oppres- Mr. President, Israel in the Congress, and we sion where it exists, con- still faces a threat to the must insist that our Presi- demn it, and stand up for state’s very existence. dent stand with us. peace—real peace based Israel’s survival remains, on security, freedom, and unfortunately, a very real Today is the day to end a change of heart. and central concern fifty American pressure on

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A New Palestinian State: Danger Ahead

DOUGLAS J. FEITH

Unilateral withdrawal The traditional land- White House lawn, cannot produce the for-peace approach Israel can hardly promised liberations from entailed danger take Arafat’s cred- moral, military, or other for Israel because ibility for granted. problems. It will instead the land in ques- And even if it could, result in Israel’s exchang- tion could serve as subsequent events ing one set of problems a staging area for have demonstrated for another. terrorism, military that Arafat cannot attacks, or both, and win a reassuring The material and moral because the promises margin of support burdens of the occupa- given to Israel, even for the deal from the tion—though not to be if sincere, would PLO as a whole, or denied or belittled—are come from individu- even from his own not a threat to Israel’s als who ruled undem- Fatah organization, existence. Neither, as ocratically and could let alone from the 27 years of history at- not commit their growing number of test, need they be fatal political successors. Palestinian Arabs to Israel’s democratic But…as the expres- who line up with institutions or principles. sion on Rabin’s face Hamas, Islamic They create strains, some- made clear during Jihad, and other times severe; but many the first famous non-PLO rejectionist democracies have suf- handshake on the groups…. fered and survived strains from security threats, Douglas J. Feith served as the Under Secretary of De- and Israel’s commitment fense for Policy for United States President George W. to a liberal rule of law Bush. Feith is the Director of the Center for National remains robust. Security Strategies and a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, a public policy think-tank. On the other hand, ter-

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ritorial withdrawals that form of self-rule Israel is The premise of Oslo’s (1) reduce Israel’s stra- willing to offer. Many in “final-status” provi- tegic depth; (2) deprive Israel and abroad would sions is that Israel will Israel of control over judge the former outcome offer at least minimum the Judean and Samar- a diplomatic disaster for satisfaction of Pales- ian highlands; (3) reduce which the Netanyahu tinian national aspira- Israel’s time for mobiliza- government should be tions. Oslo can produce tion in a crisis; (4) require held responsible. But a stable peace, there- greater reliance on pre- from the perspective of fore, only if Palestin- emption strategies; or (5) Netanyahu and his sup- ian nationalism turns increase Israel’s chances porters, the latter out- out to be a small-beer of being cut in half in a come could be even worse. phenomenon. If, on the war will create problems other hand, that cause of a far higher order. The The reason is this: Any is as robust and ambi- often demoralizing psy- “final-status” arrange- tious as it appears to be, chological and economic ment that provided for the Palestinians will not burdens of the occupa- a new Palestinian state, be assuaged by the kind tion will then be replaced even one with limited sov- of hemmed-in, hands- by even more demoral- ereignty, would inevitably tied, semi-independent izing psychological and lack finality. The state entity envisioned by the economic burdens arising would cover less than Labor Party architects from physical insecurity the whole of the territo- of Oslo, much less the and a hair-trigger nation- ries (which are anyway one envisioned by the al defense posture…. less than 25 percent of current Likud-led gov- the “sacred Arab land” ernment. f the Israeli gov- between the Jordan River ernment maintains and the sea). It would When PA leaders speak its opposition to not include all of eastern within their own commu- a new, sovereign Jerusalem (and might not nity, they do not lecture IPalestinian state, either include any of it). And their people, as they do the Oslo “final-status” its sovereignty would be the Israelis, on the vir- negotiations will deadlock severely limited in vari- tues of trading land for beyond redemption (as ous ways. (All this would peace. On the contrary, they may do anyway over be true, it bears noting, the PA makes a point of a number of other issues, even if Labor had done embellishing its statio- like Jerusalem) or the PA the negotiating, at least nery, public monuments, [Palestinian Authority] if Rabin’s and Peres’s fre- TV broadcasts, and will decide to accept, for quent statements on the schoolbooks with maps the time being, whatever matter are to be credited.) that designate Palestine

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as covering not only the whereupon demands that security concerns are West Bank and Gaza the undemocratic party beside the point: Israel Strip, but all of Israel. adhere to their terms are need not defend itself Unless Palestinian lead- commonly dismissed as against neighbors who ers drastically change legalistic and impractical. actually are at peace with their own and their it. But so long as Pales- community’s thinking, a The same means now tinian politics remains mini-state can be expect- used by the Palestin- dominated by a hostile, ed to serve as a base from ians to pressure Israel— violent, and lawless which the “final status” terrorism, rioting, Arab leadership, Israel cannot will be challenged at the economic sanctions, dip- assume that “peace” will first opportunity. lomatic condemnation— serve as the basis for its will also be available security. Even without s for limi- post-“final status.” So the machinery of a state, tations on will the means now used Oslo has enhanced the sovereignty— by Israel’s neighboring Palestinians’ capabil- including states, including threats ity to exploit anti-Israel demilitarization,A restric- of renewed war. What violence for political ends. tions on military relation- will have changed—and it A state would give them ships with other states, is an important change— a much greater capacity and limits on the so-called is that Israeli forces will than they now have to fa- Palestinian “right of no longer be able to act cilitate terrorism against return”—the PA may directly against security Israel, conduct anti-Israel promise to respect these threats originating from diplomacy, assist or join as the price of Israeli the territory of the new enemy armed forces in recognition; but once a state without violating the event of war, and de- new state comes formally the internationally recog- stabilize local states (such into being, how long nized sovereignty of an as Jordan) that cooperate before it defies them? independent country. with Israel. Like arms-control trea- ties, peace agreements To be sure, if one as- In short, if consummated between democratic and sumes that a mini-state in the form of a new Pal- non-democratic parties of their own will satisfy estinian state, Oslo, over are often deemed of great the Palestinians’ national time, is more likely to significance until they ambitions and neutralize result in war than in peace. are signed and ratified, their anti-Zionism, then

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The Dangers of Establishing a Palestinian State

MORTON A. KLEIN

Introduction cause of the continuing if the Palestinians were conflict; and ready for a state by Since the signing of the fighting and jailing their Oslo Accords between 2. That such negotiations terrorists and ending the Israel and the Palestine can produce a Palestinian incitement to hatred and Liberation Organization state and therefore peace. murder against Israel and (PLO) in 1993, negotia- Jews in their society. The tions have been occurring For several reasons, both late Yitzhak Rabin was between Israelis and of these assumptions are very clear on this point – Palestinians for most of mistaken. In fact, the he regarded the creation the time in one way or contrary is true: creating of the Palestinian Au- another. The entire Oslo a Palestinian state under thority (PA) under Arafat process was built on such existing conditions would as a reversible experiment negotiations and yet its most probably bring and said repeatedly that only outcome was a mas- increased violence and a Palestinian failure to sive Palestinian terror bloodshed and could en- transform their society war, not reconciliation danger Israel’s existence. into a peaceful one would and peace. So why do result in Israel giving people persist in urging Fatah is not a genuine up on the process. The yet more negotiations? negotiating partner process indeed failed and Because they believe two which would deliver Palestinian society is things: peace more extreme and vio- lence-probe than when he 1. That the absence of a The purpose of the Oslo said those words, because Palestinian state is the agreements was to see Fatah, the Palestinian movement co-founded Morton A. Klein is National President of the Zionist in 1959 by Yasser Arafat Organization of America. and Mahmoud Abbas

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never did – and still does aims, constitution and in English, covering the not today – accept the terrorist infrastructure. entire area of Israel. permanence and legitima- cy of Israel as a Jewish That Fatah does not Other senior Fatah fig- state. accept Israel is obvi- ures have been equally ous from the statements revealing. For example, Fatah’s Constitution, of its senior leadership, Muhammad Dahlan, the which has never been speaking in Arabic to former commander of revoked or amended, Middle Eastern audi- Fatah forces in Gaza, had to this day calls for the ences. In October 2006, this to say in March 2009 “complete liberation of for example, speaking in on PA TV, “I want to say Palestine, and eradica- Arabic on PA and Dubai’s for the thousandth time, tion of Zionist economic, al Arabiya TV, Abbas said in my own name and in political, military and plainly, “It is not required the name of all of my cultural existence” (Ar- of Hamas, or of Fatah, or fellow members of the Fa- ticle 12) and for terrorism of the Popular Front to tah movement: We do not as “a strategy and not recognize Israel.” During demand that the Hamas a tactic … this struggle and since the 2007 An- movement recognize will not cease unless the napolis conference, Abbas Israel. On the contrary, Zionist state is demol- and other senior PA we demand of the Hamas ished” (Article 19). It has officials explicitly repudi- movement not to recog- backed that murderous ated accepting Israel as a nize Israel, because the program with deeds, hav- Jewish state. For exam- Fatah movement does ing since the outbreak of ple, Abbas stated, “The not recognize Israel, even the Palestinian terror war Palestinians do not accept today.” in September 2000 killed the formula that the nearly 500 Israelis and state of Israel is a Jew- imilarly, in Oc- maimed thousands more ish state.” More recently tober 2006, Abu in acts of terrorism. still, in April 2009, Abbas Ahmed, a Fatah reiterated these thoughts commander said, The Oslo process was to at a Palestinian Youth S“The base of our Fatah have meant the end of Parliament conference: “I movement keeps dream- Fatah’s original program say this clearly: I do not ing of Tel Aviv, Haifa, but Arafat and the Fatah accept the Jewish State, Jaffa and Acco ... There leadership simply lied, call it what you will.” At is no change in our of- claiming to accept Israel the end of the conference, ficial position. Fatah as and renounce terrorism Abbas was presented a movement never recog- on behalf of the PLO with a large framed map nized Israel.” He also said while Fatah retained its of ‘Palestine,’ labeled that the Al-Aqsa Mar-

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tyrs Brigades, the terror as far as international for the 1978 coastal road arm of Fatah which has law is concerned.” bus hijacking, in which murdered hundreds of 37 Israelis, including 12 Israeli civilians since the Marwan Al-Barghouti, children, were slaugh- start of the terror war in the jailed Fatah terror- tered. Qureia praised September 2000, is “one ist chief who is widely these bestial murderers as and the same” with the regarded as a future “heroes” and “shahids,” Fatah party. Fatah leader, said in an shouting “All the glory! interview coinciding All the glory! All the Fatah’s August 2009 with the conference that glory! All the sisters here conference, held in “Resistance to the Israeli are Dalal’s sisters.” Ramallah, show-cased occupation is a national its continuing fidelity to obligation, and it is a The Fatah platform also these unreconstructed legitimate right.” Some continues to demand the positions: the confer- weeks earlier, he said that so-called ‘right of return’ ence refused to accept “Fatah believes in a com- to Israel for Palestinian Israel’s existence as a bination of all forms of refugees of the 1948-49 Jewish state; glorified struggle, and it will not war and their millions of terrorists and the “armed abandon, thwart, or rule descendants, something struggle,” insisted on the out any form of struggle that would mean Israel’s so-called ‘right of return’ … We in Fatah think extinction. It calls for and rejected of an end that political activity and increased international of claims in any future negotiations complement pressure on Israel, op- peace agreement. For- resistance, and harvest its poses any normalization mer PA prime minister fruits.” And senior Fatah of relations between Ahmed Qureia opened official Jibril Rajoub said, Israel and Arab states, proceedings, “in the “Resistance was and is and refuses to declare name of shahids (mar- a tactical and strategic that Fatah has no further tyrs, i.e. dead terrorists)” option of the struggle are demands from Israel be- – not exactly the words part of Fatah`s policy.” yond a peace settlement. of a peace partner who The platform also calls has accepted Israel and hus, there was for a “strategic channel renounced terrorism and loud applause with Iran to be opened” – incitement to hatred and from assem- at a time Iran is defying murder. Abbas himself bled delegates the world by seeking to told the conference that whenT Qureia praised acquire nuclear weapons. “we maintain the right to two terrorists, Khaled launch an armed resis- Abu-Isbah and Dalal Tragically, Fatah’s glori- tance, which is legitimate Mughrabi, responsible fication of terrorism and

[16]

the goal of removing Is- even within the pre-1967 ian polls. Two features rael is not mere rhetoric. armistice lines, covered are notable: rejection of The PA-controlled media, with a Palestinian head- Israel’s permanence and mosques, schools and dress, including pictures legitimacy as a Jewish youth camps inculcate of arch-terrorist Yasser state; and support for this ideology in the next Arafat and a Kalashnikov terrorist assaults upon generation. Thus, at a rifle. In January this year, Israel: recent high school gradu- Abbas mourned the pass- ation, students chanted ing of veteran Palestinian • January 2009: A Jeru- such slogans as, “In the terrorist George Habash, salem Media & Com- name of the Shahids saying, ‘The death of munications Center poll (Martyrs), in the name of this historic leader is a that found that 55.4% the prisoners, in the name great loss for the Pales- percent of Palestinians of the stone and the rifle” tinian cause and for the support continued sui- and “in the name of Pal- Palestinian people.’ He cide bombings against estine: Haifa, Acre, Jaffa, also declared three days Israel, as against 37.6% and our Arab Jerusalem” of mourning and ordered percent who oppose it. – giving a clear picture of Palestinian flags lowered (Jerusalem Media & the nature and content of to half mast. In Febru- Communications Cen- Fatah’s indoctrination. ary last year, he called ter, Poll No. 67, Janu- for uniting the blood of ary 2009) The record also shows Fatah and Hamas in a that all aspects of PA common struggle against • March 2008: 83.5% of life – the schools, youth Israel. In May 2006, Palestinians approve movements, sports teams, Abbas named Mahmoud of the March 6, 2008 newspapers, TV, even the Damra, wanted by Israel terrorist attack on the names of streets – are for supervising various Mercaz Harav semi- made vehicles for honor- terror attacks against nary in Jerusalem in ing and praising terror- Israelis, as commander of which 8 people, mainly ists and their vile deeds. Fatah’s Force 17. teenagers, were mur- This in turn breeds more dered and a further terrorists and bloodshed. Palestinian society ap- 40 wounded; 63.6% Only last year, Fatah, proves of terrorism and support rocket attacks the Palestinian party does not accept Israel on Israeli towns, as co-founded by Yasser against 32.6% who Arafat and Mahmoud The detrimental effects oppose it. (Palestinian Abbas, issued a new of- of such indoctrination Center for Policy and ficial emblem, showing over 16 years are evident Survey Research poll, a map of all of Israel, from successive Palestin- March 2008).

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• February 2007: 75% of to obtain the release • February 2006: 83.3% Palestinian Arabs do of jailed Palestin- of the Palestinian not think that Israel ians terrorists; 63% Arabs oppose dropping has a right to exist; are inspired by the the legally and morally 70% of Palestinian Ar- Lebanese Islamist ter- baseless so-called ‘right abs support a one-state ror group Hizballah of return’ of refugees solution in which Jews and seek to emulate and their millions of would be a minority, it (Harry S. Truman descendants to Israel not a two-state solution Research Institute for and reject substitute with a Palestinian Arab the Advancement of solutions to the refugee state living peacefully Peace, Hebrew Uni- issue (Palestinian Cen- alongside Israel (Near versity of Jerusalem, ter for Public Opinion East Consulting (NEC) and the Palestinian (PCPO) poll, February poll, February 12-15, Center for Policy 16-20, 2006). 2007, ‘NEC 12-15 Feb- and Survey Research ruary Poll: 75% of Pal- (PCPSR) poll, Sep- • February 2006: 56.2% estinians do not think tember 2006). support terrorism that Israel has the against Israeli civil- right to exist,’ Inde- • September 2006: 61.3% ians (Jerusalem Media pendent Media Review of Palestinian Arabs and Communications Analysis, February 16, support terrorist at- Center (JMCC) poll, 2007). tacks upon Israeli civil- February 8-12, 2006). ians; 52.5% support • September 2006: 67% rocket attacks upon • December 2005: 51% of Palestinian Arabs Israeli population cen- of Palestinian Arabs oppose Hamas recog- ters (Center for Opin- oppose the disarming nizing Israel (Palestin- ion Polls and Survey of terrorist groups; ian Center for Policy Studies at An-Najah 82% support the ab- and Survey Research University, September sorption of members of (PCPSR) poll, Septem- 7-9, 2006). Hamas, Islamic Jihad ber 14-16, 2006). into the PA. (Palestin- • June 2006: 56% of ian Center for Policy • September 2006: 57% Palestinians support and Survey Research, of Palestinian Ar- terrorist attacks upon December 6-8, 2005). abs support terrorist Israeli civilians (Pal- attacks upon Israeli estinian Center for • December 2005: 69% civilians; 75% support Policy & Survey Re- of Palestinians regard the kidnapping of search (PCPSR) poll, terrorism as legitimate; Israeli soldiers in a bid June 2006). 65% support Al-Qaeda

[18]

actions in the USA and do not accept its ex- cate their weaponry and and Europe (Fafo poll, istence. It follows that end the incitement to ha- December 22, 2005). Palestinians are not ready tred and murder against to sign and abide by any Israel in the PA-con- • October 2005: 60% peace agreement with Is- trolled media, mosques, of Palestinian Arabs rael, in which case setting school and youth camps oppose the PA disarm- up of a Palestinian state that feed terrorism. At no ing the terrorist groups will bring, not an end to stage have they fulfilled Hamas, Islamic Jihad war, but an intensification these basic requirements, and Fatah’s Al-Aqsa of it. which utterly contradict Martyrs Brigades (Bir their continuing goals and Zeit University poll, Concessions to Fatah terroristic conduct. October 2005). useless The truth is actually • December 2004: 66% Israeli concessions to the opposite: Israelis conces- of Palestinian Arabs Fatah-controlled PA over sions have emboldened oppose the PA disarm- the years – yielding half the Palestinians to stick ing the terrorist groups of Judea and Samaria, with their extremist aims Hamas, Islamic Jihad all of Gaza, and handing and conduct, to simply and Fatah’s Al-Aqsa over assets, funds and pocket these concessions Martyrs Brigades (Bir even arms to the PA and and stick to their own de- Zeit University poll, freeing hundreds of jailed mands. As senior PA and December 2004). Palestinian terrorists as Fatah official Saeb Er- “good will gestures” have ekat put it in July 2009, • April 2003: 75.6% of not impelled Fatah to al- “Many people say that Palestinian Arabs sup- ter or modify its program, the [Israeli-Palestinian] port terrorism against to rescind its Constitu- negotiations of the last 10 Israeli civilians (Jerusa- tion, to cease committing or 15 years were useless lem Media and Com- and promoting terrorism and yielded nothing, but munications Center against Israel or to mod- [that is not true]. In 1994 (JMCC) poll, April erate its demands. [i.e. during the Oslo nego- 2003). tiations] the Palestinian ut simply, the side could have capitulat- In short, both the Pales- Palestinians ed and gained an achieve- tinian leadership, whether are obligated ment within one month. Fatah or Hamas, and the by the Oslo [That is,] we could have bulk of Palestinians in agreementsP and the 2003 agreed to undertake the general support terrorist Roadmap peace plan to management of the edu- violence against Israel arrest terrorists, confis- cation and health [sys-

[19]

tems] in the West Bank. school curricula; names ‘If I’m the chief of staff [Likewise] Yasser Arafat streets, schools and sports of the Israel Defense could have accepted what teams after suicide bomb- Forces, I cannot defend was offered him at Camp ers; and has not ended the this land without that David [in 2000], instead incitement to hatred and terrain.’ They [Arab of [letting himself] be murder within its society, forces] only have to go to besieged in the Muqata’a creating a Palestinian the high ground running and then murdered for state run by it would not north and south in the no reason. President bring tranquility, only middle of the country Mahmoud ‘Abbas could more bloodshed. This in order to dominate the have accepted [Olmert’s] would be the case regard- country. So I don’t know December 2008 proposal, less of strategic questions about politics, but if [but he preferred to wait] regarding territory and you want me to defend ... [Some ask] where the security. But in Israel’s this country, and you negotiations with the case, the stakes are ex- want me to defend Jeru- Israeli side have brought tremely high. salem, I’ve got to hold us. First [the Israelis] that high ground.” said we would [only have The creation of a Pales- the right to] run our own tinian state essentially Shortly after the 1967 schools and hospitals. involves returning Israel war, then-U.S. Defense Then they consented to to the armistice lines Secretary Robert Mc- give us 66% [of the oc- that existed from 1949 Namara asked the Joint cupied territories]. “At until 1967. Yet the con- Chiefs of Staff to ana- Camp David they offered sensus of authentic mili- lyze which of the admin- 90%, and [recently] they tary opinion, expressed istered territories Israel offered 100%. So why free of the exigencies of needed to keep for its se- should we hurry?” political circumspection, curity. Regarding Judea- is that such borders are Samaria, the Joint Strategic dangers of strategically indefensible Chiefs concluded: “Con- creating a Fatah-domi- and potentially disas- trol of the prominent nated Palestinian state trous for Israel. high ground running north-south through the ince Fatah U.S. Lt.-Gen. Thomas middle of West Jordan neither accepts Kelly, director of opera- [the “West Bank”]… Israel’s per- tions for the Joint Chiefs and then southeast to a manence and of Staff during the 1991 junction with the Dead Slegitimacy as a Jewish Gulf War, stated “I look Sea…would provide state; does not put Israel out … onto the West Israel with a militarily in its maps, atlases and Bank and say to myself, defensible border.”

[20]

The chimera of demili- To the contrary, Israel and troops. And the same tarization continued and continues kind of Iranian “volun- until the present day, to be teers” who have been Aware of the substantive, pressured to make further, sent to aid the Hezbol- strategic objections to Is- unreciprocated concessions lah terrorists in southern rael creating a Palestinian to the PA. Meanwhile the Lebanon would no doubt state in these territories, PA receives ever higher be dispatched to “Pales- many have attempted to levels of U.S. and other tine.” override these objections foreign aid. Clearly, the by advocating a peace international constella- Palestin- agreement in which an tion of forces is such that ian state essential element would the Palestinians are never would cost be the long-term demili- likely to feel compelled to Israel stra- tarization of the future keep an agreement, nor are tegicA depth and high Palestinian state. they likely to be penalized ground while shrinking when they do not. it to indefensible bor- Unfortunately, the idea ders, including a 9-mile of Palestinian demilitar- Accordingly, even if the width. Creating it would ization is illusory. First, PA agreed to demilitar- mean further, massive, there is no precedent for ization, how could Israel irreversible concessions a sovereign state that prevent it from subse- to an unreconstructed PA was demilitarized in the quently violating such that has never fulfilled its long-term. Second, there an agreement? Germany obligations under the Oslo is no precedent for the PA was demilitarized after agreements and the 2003 observing an agreement World War I, but when Roadmap peace plan. it has signed. Throughout Hitler began building up the Oslo years, the PA the Germany army dur- In such circumstances, signed several agreements ing the 1930s, the Allies creating a Palestin- in which it committed took no action, because ian state would simply itself and recommitted they were not prepared mean creating a terror itself to fighting terrorism to go to war over Hitler’s state. Such a state would and ending the incitement infractions. A Palestinian enjoy sovereign powers, to hatred and murder Arab state would have its would be free to enter that pervaded Palestinian own airports and sea- into alliances against society, yet never did so. ports, as well as borders Israel with hostile states Third, the PA never paid with Egypt and Jordan, and groups and import any price internationally making it a relatively weaponry without control for its non-compliance easy matter to import or supervision of any with signed agreements. heavy weapons, missiles, kind. Cross-border raids

[21]

would become routine break up terror cells when estinian state. In short, along what would become and where necessary. unless Hamas is granted Israel’s longest border. A That would no longer be sovereignty in Gaza (and Palestinian state would the case the moment a in Judea and Samaria, if also control a third of Is- Palestinian state is estab- it takes them over from rael’s vital water supply. lished. Just as Ashkelon Fatah) no Palestinian To do this runs contrary and Sderot are already state under Abbas and to all logic and prudence. under constant bombard- Fatah which includes ment from Palestinian Gaza can even be set up, Caroline Glick, Manag- shells and missiles fired making the plan not only ing Editor of the Jeru- from Gaza, Jerusalem, dangerous and potentially salem Post and Middle Ben Gurion Airport and disastrous for Israel but East Fellow at Center for most of Israel’s major impractical as well. Security Policy, Washing- population centers would ton, D.C. has elaborated be in range of Palestinian A Palestinian state, should on the strategic dangers terrorists in Judea and one emerge, is likely to be of Israel setting up a Samaria. but another Arab dicta- Palestinian state: “With- torship and an enhanced out Judea, Samaria, et, let us base for radical Muslim Jerusalem, the Jordan suppose, terrorism. This reflects Valley and the Golan despite the the political character of Heights, Israel would be absence of the current Palestinian so vulnerable to missile Yany ground for think- Authority as built up by and artillery attack that ing so, that somehow Yasser Arafat and main- it could be overwhelmed Judea and Samaria would tained by his successor, even before conventional remain relatively peace- Mahmoud Abbas. invading Arab armies set ful if the IDF withdrew foot on its remaining ter- (only relatively – there Most likely, such a state ritory.” are dozens of terror alerts would prepare for long- coming out of Judea term warfare with Israel, The one reason Judea and and Samaria every week, nurture terrorist move- Samaria today are rela- most of which the IDF, ments behind a wall of tively peaceful is because, by its presence, is able to sovereign immunity and unlike Gaza, from which thwart). Any Palestin- create the sort of desta- Israel withdrew in 2005, ian state that is created bilization that would lead the Israel Defense Forces would necessarily include to full-scale war. (IDF) are on the ground Gaza, which the PA, and and able to intervene to the world, regards as part Quite apart from the prevent terrorist acts and of the territory for a Pal- probable character of

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such a state, it is also alone statehood. Three of Jewish communi- undesirable for geographi- examples: ties within the frame- cal, economic and po- work of further Israeli litical reasons as well. A • A June 2009 War & unilateral withdrawals Palestinian state founded Peace Index poll found in Judea and Sama- in Judea Samaria and that 53 percent of ria; and 58% reject Gaza would enjoy few Israelis oppose evacu- the “land-for-peace” natural resources and ating all settlements, formula whereby Israel most likely have a weak even if crucial for a has made territorial economy. It could prove peace agreement, while concessions to the PA. destabilizing to neighbor- only 41 percent say ing Jordan and would they support evacuat- Conclusion certainly endanger Israel, ing settlements. as any such state would The danger posed by mean the withdrawal of • February 2009: A establishing a Palestinian Israel military forces from Maagar Mohot Survey state under current condi- strategic positions in the Institute poll showed tions is clear and serious. high ground of Judea Sa- that a majority of As a recipe for peace, it maria, in turn providing a Israelis – 51 percent – would be disastrous and more vulnerable Israel as oppose the creation of bring about the opposite a tempting target. a Palestinian state, as of the desired results. opposed to merely 31 Israelis see the dangers percent that favor its Any prospect of peace is and oppose Palestinian establishment. entirely dependent upon statehood transformation of Pales- • An October 2007 Tel tinian society and leader- Unlike the situation dur- Aviv University poll ship over a sustained time ing the 1990s when most also demonstrates that period in which Palestin- Israelis were willing to a 59 percent of Israelis ians would accept Israel’s set up a Palestinian state, oppose, even in return legitimacy and perma- tragic and bitter experi- for a peace agreement, nence as a Jewish state ence of dealing with the Israel handing over any before it could be hoped Palestinians has changed part of Jerusalem to that they would co-exist the Israeli public atti- the PA. peacefully alongside it. tude. Today, clear majori- ties of the Israeli public • A May 2007 Magaar oppose any concessions Mochot poll found that to the Palestinians – let 72% oppose uprooting

[23]

The Myth of Demilitarization

Bernard Smith

(Originally published in restrictions place on his Israeli newspaper col- 1987) security forces by the umnists, government Oslo accords. officials, and IDF officers If Israel’s security is to refer to the PA police as depend largely on the The accords closed the “the Palestinian army,” demilitarization of a door on full demilitar- “soldiers,” and “an armed Palestinian state, Israe- ization, allowing an military force” to the lis should be worried. excessive number of PA’s “military intelligence Historically, demilitar- weapons and police, chief.” The prime min- ization has not been and the introduction of isters communications successful: The territory 12,000 battle-trained director has said, “… is eventually remilita- Palestinian Liberation They have an army. [The rized. The Palestinian Army soldiers and PLNA PA does not] even bother Authority (PA) leader- quasi-regulars. This was calling the army a police ship will not willingly insufficient for Arafat, force any more, they accept the humiliating who egregiously violated call it an army.” A.M. and inhibiting servitude the partial demilitariza- Rosenthal of the New implied by demilitariza- tion of the 1995 interim York Times: “The Pales- tion. Yasir Arafat will agreement by exceeding tinians already have an accede only for the sake the number of “police” army.” PA leaders flaunt of appearances, until and weapons allowed, their lack of concern for such time as he can and obtaining antitank Israel’s reaction to their subvert the final agree- and anti-aircraft missiles, violations. Nabil Sha’ath ment—which is precise- Katyusha rockets, and talks of a 30,000-man ly what he did with the hand grenades. armed force. Soon, the only ones left believing in Bernard Smith is a member of the Board of Directors Palestinian “police” and of the Jerusalem Institute for Western Defense. demilitarized autonomous

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areas will be those Israelis unilateral; no part of Is- tions of the Oslo accords, who, desperately hoping rael will be demilitarized. including creation of for peace, cling to the an army. This grievous fiction that security can In the unlikely instance policy only invites further be assured by demilitar- that demilitarization breaches after an entity ization. Before the final stands any chance of suc- is solidly in place. The settlement, the PA will cess, it must be mutually outer limits to expansion field an estimated 50,000 acceptable and refer to a of the Palestinian order lightly armed infantry- limited space rather than of battle will depend only men. While still embryon- all of a country’s terri- on how far violations ic, the Army of Palestine tory. In the case at hand, can go before the threat is here. all four factors—infringe- to security provokes the ment of sovereignty, certainty of an Israeli Several facts suggest coercion, reciprocity, and response. that demilitarization in extent of area—augur a Palestinian state will that demilitarization Ending breaches of de- be short-lived. Convinced will most certainly fail. militarization requires na- that Palestine must have The PA will also argue tional will. Peace gener- an army, Arafat began to the need to defend itself ates devotion to the good build the “core of a regu- against domination or life, and a lack of motiva- lar army” in 1989. He is invasion by irredentist tion to engage in cor- expanding it under the neighbors. Pointing to an rective action, including euphemism of “police” external threat, Palestine war. The result is futile until a structured mili- could, one day, abrogate diplomatic protests and tary body takes shape as the demilitarization a tendency to rationalize the armed force of an in- clauses, citing the rule of violations. This is best dependent state. An Arab international law regard- exemplified by the French country without an army ing “fundamental changes and British reaction to is unthinkable. It would of circumstances,” com- the German remilitariza- be the laughingstock of pounded by the interna- tion of the Rhineland in the Arab world. tionally recognized right 1936, which threatened to self-defense. the peace of Europe. And this degradation, Israelis will repeat what recognized as a severe ll these rea- the British said about infringement of sover- sons would be Germany: “They have the eignty, will be imposed less meaning- right to arm. After all, it’s by coercion, acquiescence ful were it not their country.” being the only route to forA Israeli tolerance of statehood. It will also be Arafat’s flagrant viola- Faced with a long series

[25]

of “minor” infractions, would constitute a real a final agreement, it will Israel would need to de- danger as part of an pay a terrible price for cide after each violation Arab coalition at war ephemeral tranquility. whether to take action, with Israel. Operat- economic or military. ing in units up to the Complicating the process company level armed would be the state of with antitank weapons, The sign in the car win- the IDF. A reduction in anti-aircraft missiles, dow in Jerusalem read, its size following peace mortars, machine guns, “Peace is my security.” would produce extreme and mines, the Palestin- This mantra, recited by caution in responding ian army would attack Israeli peaceniks, refutes forcefully to violations. military and civilian the need for strategic In an era of peace, the targets just prior to and territory, depth, and, national will turn inward during the initial as- presumably, a large army to deal with internal sault by Arab coalition or even nuclear weapons, problems, paying in- forces. In a variation of a because once peace is adequate attention to 1940 German tactic, this established, there simply “unimportant” activ- lightly armed infantry will not be any more war. ity across the border. could be supplemented As Shimon Peres said at External pressures will by hundreds, even thou- the United Nations last interact with internal sands, of Syrian special year, peace with Syria ones to block meaning- forces introduced into “will be the end of war in ful action. Israel would Palestine as tourists the Middle East.” What have to consider the and businessmen. Tying cold be more naïve—and possibility of U.S. and up desperately needed dangerous? War is so fre- European economic and troops in the initial stage quent that it has occurred Arab military retaliation. might be what one Israeli in one or more places in As Arab countries and analyst called “the 50 3,179 of the last 3,449 Iran stockpile chemical grams that could change years. During that period, and biological weapons the Arab-Israeli strategic the world was free of war and missiles, Israel will balance in [the Arabs’] 8 percent of the time. be more hesitant to take favor.” The same percentage is military steps. Israelis valid when speaking only will justify inaction by f the nation does of the past fifty years. saying the new Arab not comprehend, entity “wouldn’t dare quickly, the danger Armed conflict has so per- challenge the IDF.” of employing meated history that some, Idemilitarization as a pri- seeking an explanation, A militarized entity mary security measure in theorize an innate human

[26]

drive to destroy. More tion traditional Russian In 1653, Alexis acceded undeniably, countries, like enmity toward Poland— to the Cossack appeal individuals, have interests kept the two periodically for Moscow’s protection, that are to be protected at war. The conflict was knowing it meat war. and furthered. National interrupted when over- The conflict ended with a interests and the influ- whelming factors forced a truce in 1667, resulting in ences that act on them peaceful interval: Russia territorial acquisition for and emanate from them exhausted economically Russia. In 1686, the Rus- are not static. A primary and militarily by internal sian gains were solidified interest can be overrid- upheaval and strife; dis- by another “permanent” den by a stronger one. For cord between the Polish peace, the Orthodox example, a nation heav- king and Diet (assembly); Russian regent and the ily involved in economic the Turkish menace to Catholic Polish king going development may find Poland’s southern border. so far as to form an alli- this need superseded by Finally, Czar Michael con- ance against the “infidel” the drive toward nation- cluded an “eternal” peace Turks. Peace with Poland building and expansion. with the king of Poland was an expedient, which As interests or the factors in 1634. The eternal peace allowed Russia to utilize that affect them change, lasted for 19 years. its expansive energies to a country elects war or drive south against the peace. Both are tools to t is sometimes Turks and toward the Bal- advance national inter- difficult, and even tic, colliding with Sweden. ests. The essential point is unnecessary, to that there is no reason to separate ideological Peace built on expedi- assume that war cannot fromI self-serving motives ency offers little promise occur because a country for war. Such was the case of permanence. By 1733, is at peace. History is with Czar Alexis’ decision Russia’s pro-Austrian instructive on this matter. to end peace with Poland. foreign policy would It is worthwhile to review The second Romanov cer- not abide the election three of thousands of tainly wished to free the of an anti-Austrian to examples. Orthodox from the yoke the throne of Poland. of Catholic Poland and Fifty thousand Russian Poland and Russia Muslim Tartar. And, like troops terminated the his father, Alexis found reign of Stanislas Lec- During the early 17th the borders of Muscovy zynski. Politically and century, Polish and too confining. The spur to geographically weak (her Russian expansion- war was the rebellion of plains inviting invasion), ist designs and Russian the Zaporogian Cossacks Poland’s sovereignty was irredentism—not to men- against Poland in 1649. limited when Catherine

[27]

II ascended the Russian tween Germany and the secure passage of its ships throne in 1762. While rest of Europe. “German from the Baltic into the still at peace, she turned nationalism and the exal- North Sea and Atlantic Poland into a virtual tation of the Machtstaat, Ocean. These required Russian protectorate in the Power State,” in the an unavoidable revision 1767. Between 1772 and words of the historian in relations with Norway 1795, Russia participated Alan Bullock, propelled based on the changed in three partitions of Germany into aggressive German national interests Poland, the last result- relations with Europe, and the necessities that ing in its disappearance. giving “expression to the emanated from them. In 1939, reconstituted long-smoldering rebellion Poland, at peace with its of the German people On April 8–9, 1940, neighbors, was invaded against the defeat of 1918 Germany made what by the expansionist So- and the humiliation of historian T.K. Derry viet Union. the Peace Settlement.” called a “brutally abrupt Germany embraced a transition from peace to Norway and Germany leader whose vision of the war.” It was a terrible future could be realized shock for the Norwe- Norway learned a cruel only through war. gians. In the words of lesson in the instability Carl Hambro, President of peace a year later. For y the end of of the Norwegian Parlia- more than 100 years, Nor- 1939, Germa- ment, what stupefied the way was at peace with ny’s strategic Norwegians more than the Prussia and then Ger- interest was act of aggression itself many. In 1907, Germany toB defeat Great Britain was the national realiza- agreed to recognize and as quickly as possible. To tion that a great power, respect Norway’s integ- accomplish this, Ber- for years professing its rity. During World War I, lin was determined to friendship, suddenly ap- the two countries carried prevent a likely British peared a deadly enemy. on a sizable and impor- occupation of Norwegian More than by the viola- tant trade. Following the ports, ensure the supply tion of treaties and every war, Norway sheltered of vital Swedish iron ore international obligation, thousands of German transported safely along the people of Norway children. Norwegian coastal wa- were dazed to find that for ters, increase projection years their German friends During the 1920s and of its naval and air power had been elaborating the 1930s, however, the into the Atlantic Ocean most detailed plans for the forces of German history through use of bases on invasion and subsequent dictated new relations be- the Norwegian coast, and enslaving of their country.

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Iran and Iraq world has ever known. Its cuse to reduce territorial strategic depth reached depth. Israel’s minuscule Unlike Germany and deep below the ocean’s width is already a strate- Norway, historical Iraqi surface and into the skies. gic nightmare. Only those and Iranian national This massive deterrent, who believe in the fantasy and religious differences not an unsubstantiated, of “peace is my security,” brought about a treaty, uncertain belief in peace, or that the economic delivering benefits to both provided security—and well-being of potential countries. Relations con- kept the peace. enemies guarantees peace, tinued to improve follow- are ready to minimize ing the 1975 treaty. Oil srael will ensure even further the country’s production, the lifeblood the security of strategic depth by acced- of both, promised reality. its people and ing to Arab demands to Many were obsessed with national survival relinquish land. the belief that rhetori- Iin the same way. Arab cal adherence to peace acceptance is based The Gulf War of 1991 is was the cure for war. The on the realization that only the most recent evi- historical record proves Israel is too strong to dence that the outcome that peace today is no destroy militarily. Peace of war is still determined guarantee for the future. can exist only so long as by armor, artillery, and Peace along with re- this perception predomi- infantry. This means that spect for sovereignty and nates. Therefore, instead depth and geographic borders are, as they have of weakening itself by barriers to invasion always been, subject to reductions in its armed continue to assume shifting currents. Power strength and the ceding great strategic impor- and self-interest deter- of geostrategic territory, tance, making the Golan mine adherence to trea- Israel must maintain a Heights, Judea, and ties and relations between powerful military, based Samaria crucial to Israel’s states. History shows on its air, missile, and defense. Strategic depth that countries prepared combined land forces, the will have to be broadened. for war are more likely to qualitative superiority of The nation’s defense will prevent one. For almost each ensured through ad- be seriously challenged half a century, the United equate investment in re- when one or more Arab States avoided war search and development. countries and Iran will with the Soviet Union. However, just as quality possess nuclear weapons. Americans, believing that must never be employed Because of its tiny area, “strength is my security,” to diminish quantity, Israel will not be able to assembled the most for- technological advances respond following a first midable military force the cannot be used as an ex- strike if it relies only on

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land-based nuclear weap- Notes ons. It should, therefore, 1. The figure for the 3,420 years be prepared to expand ending in 1968 are those of Will its strategic deterrence to and Ariel Durant, cited in Donald Kagan, On the Origins of War (New missile-carrying subma- York: Doubleday, 1995), p. 4. Those rines. for 1969 to 1996 are the writer’s. cal- culations for the 50-year period end- ing in 1996 do not include civil wars srael’s security except those in Lebanon and Bosnia, where large external components were depends on the involved. perception that the cost to poten- 2. Alan Bullock, Hitler: A Study in Tyranny (New York: Harper & Itial aggressors is not one Row, 1962), p. 313. they are willing to pay. In 3. See ibid., pp. 575–77, 582, and 1908, Neville Chamber- Winston Churchill, The Second lain opined that “treaties World War (London: Cassell & Co., are not to be depended on 1950), I, 483, 508–9. for keeping the peace…. 4. Ibid., p. 546. We have got to make ourselves too strong to be 5. Kagan, p. 376. attacked.” In light of the tragic results that fol- lowed the British prime minister’s behavior in the 1930s, how ironic yet instructive his words are. Let us hope that leaders of the democracies will understand the lesson.

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Israel’s Water and Environment in Danger

Itamar Marcus

The land of Israel, from settling in large aquifers Mountain Aquifer for eco- the Mediterranean to spanning both sides of nomic and social survival. the Jordan River, is one the Green Line. Forty percent of Israel’s ecological whole. Water total water use and a full flows through under- Israel has been pumping 50 percent of the drink- ground streams with- this water since 1948. Be- ing water come from this out regard to political fore the Six-Day War, the underground source. decisions, and the envi- Arab population of Judea ronment does not have and Samaria used only 5 Israel’s water is now in pollution-impermeable percent, while Israel used grave danger. According walls to protect artificial- a full 95 percent of this to the agreement with the ly adjusted borders. water. Since then, Israel PLO, the autonomous re- has expanded drilling for gion will expand rapidly Israel’s largest and clean- the Arab population, rais- to include most of Judea est water source is the ing their share of the wa- and Samaria. Topog- Mountain Aquifer. In an ter usage from 5 percent raphy would then put average year, 600 million to 17 percent. For itself, Israel at a distinct disad- cubic meters of rainwa- Israel has built a complex vantage. Although the ter enters the ground in water system that sup- water Israel uses from the hills of Judea and ports the economic and this aquifer is pumped Samaria. The water then social infrastructure of from wells within Israel’s flows in all directions via the country. Today Israel pre-1967 borders, 80 per- underground streams, is totally dependent on the cent of it enters the aqui- fer system in the hills of Itamar Marcus is founder of Palestine Media Watch Judea and Samaria. As and a member of the Israeli delegation to the Incite- gravity draws the water ment Monitoring Committee established as part of the west, north, and south Wye accords. toward the Israeli wells,

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pumping along the way pumped since 1948 or, at Can Israel survive such diminishes its volume. the very least, since 1967. a loss? Clearly not. Just As Israel’s comptroller a few years ago, Israel reported (5–89): “There The Arabs have reason faced a major water crisis exists the physical ca- to claim all the water for following two years of pability to increase the themselves. If the agree- low rainfall. The govern- pumping in Judea and ment is implemented, ment limited the watering Samaria to a degree that they anticipate the of gardens, raised water will completely eliminate immigration of a mil- prices, cut back on agri- the pumping in Israel.” lion or more Arabs from culture, and turned water Thus, whoever controls refugee camps; they have conservation into the the water in Judea and earmarked significant national challenge. What Samaria controls the portions of the coming life in Israel will be like water for Tel Aviv. international financial aid with a 40 percent loss of for agricultural develop- water is beyond anyone’s one of this ment to compete with imagination. Much of would matter Israeli farmers; the indus- Israel’s agriculture will be if the Arabs trial infrastructure they destroyed, water for pri- of Judea and plan for Judea and Sama- vate gardens will be lim- NSamaria would not claim ria will also need water. ited, and very expensive this water. However, at The Arabs know that and tiny private gardens the multinational talks, the lifestyle they foresee will become the status the Arabs demanded the will never materialize symbol of the very rich. rights to 100 percent of without the water Israel Cities will have to care- the water entering the is using today. In case fully consider whether ground in Judea and Sa- there be any doubt, they their parks will be grass maria. Israel’s arguments have already announced or concrete. The green that the water settles that by the end of 1995 revolution that turned a primarily on Israel’s side they expect to be using dusty, dry land of Israel of the Green Line did not 80 percent of the water into a blooming garden affect their position, nor from the Mountain Aqui- will be erased. were they concerned that fer, causing a loss of 25 Israel now uses this water percent of Israel’s yearly This water loss will af- and is totally dependent water (three months’ fect not just lifestyle but on it. Rather, they saw Is- water usage for the entire Israel’s very psyche as a rael’s present use as theft country). In very real nation. Efficient water of Arab water and went so terms, Israel’s most im- use and greening of the far as to demand com- portant water source is in land have been prominent pensation for the water very grave danger. in the Israeli national

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identity since the advent the Mountain Aquifer. If other towns form noxious of modern Zionism. The control of the land is giv- brown rivers of untreated evolution of Tu B’Shvat en to the Arabs, the best household waste that flow into a popular Israeli Israel could hope for un- west, ultimately ending holiday is a direct result der “cooperation” would up in Israel’s aquifers. of Israelis’ sincere love of be a split of the water. Tel Aviv’s water is clean the land, especially when The Arabs would use the today only because the it is green. new water to develop ag- population in Judea and ricultural exports, while Samaria is limited and As negotiations progress, Israel would be short 250 the environment is able to water “cooperation” is of- million cubic meters, or purify the pollutants as ten discussed as the ideal nearly 20 percent of her they enter the ecosystem. solution for the entire water. Israel would be for- However, warns geolo- region. Unfortunately, ever in a position of using gist Prof. Arnon Sofer of “cooperation” is the ele- the leftover water after Haifa University, once the gant catchword for taking Arab use. There would be land absorbs a million Ar- water that Israel alone is no way, short of military abs without proper waste using today and dividing action, to stop the Arabs management, “they will it up for others to “co- from using all the water finish off the Israeli coast operate” with tomorrow. before it reached Israeli with sewage, dysentery, Shimon Peres recently wells. and typhus.” Moreover, if spoke of the flowering of the hundreds of millions both sides of the Arava o make mat- of dollars promised to with joint Jordan-Israel ters still worse, the autonomy are used to “water cooperation.” Israel faces a develop industry and ag- What his advisors forgot grave environ- riculture, the total waste to tell him was that Israel mentalT crisis should the flowing to the coast of today is pumping out the agreement be implement- Israel will bring ecological maximum ecologically ed. An ecosystem’s ability disaster. possible, and if Jordan to support human life is is to “cooperate” and de- limited. Again, topogra- In addition, the environ- velop its own agriculture, phy here plays an impor- ment is threatened from it will mean destruction tant role, putting the resi- still another direction. of our kibbutzim and dents of the coastal plain Over-pumping in Judea moshavim. ecologically at the mercy and Samaria will lower of the residents of the the water table below sea The same is true of the high lands of Judea and level, causing salt water “cooperation” talked Samaria. Already today, to flow from the sea into about for the waters of sewage from Shechem and Israel’s coast. This would

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cause immediate and annex them to Israel as able fact is that all of permanent destruction of part of the permanent Israel will wake up one the aquifers and the land. agreement. Israel would morning in the near fu- control and pump the ture to find that whoever The only glimmer of maximum amount of rules Judea and Sama- hope amidst this gloomy water from the aquifer, ria will determine the picture is that Israel does dividing it between Jews quantity and quality of not have to hold all of and Arabs as today, Israeli water. Its enemies, Judea and Samaria to without endangering the without even firing a control most of the water. ecological balance. shot, could bring Israel to There are three defined its knees if Israel is not in regions in Judea and Preventing an ecological control of the water and Samaria where pump- crisis is more difficult, as the environmental protec- ing affects the water flow waste anywhere in Judea tion standards of Judea to Israel’s wells. These and Samaria will ulti- and Samaria. Israeli life regions, which amount mately find its way to the and environment could be to only 20 percent of the aquifer. Israel will have destroyed by ecologically land, are adjacent to the to insist during the pace dangerous activities in Green Line in northern negotiations that it be a Judea and Samaria. and western Samaria and participant on all deci- include the Jerusalem sions regarding industry, Israel must insist on hills heading south past agriculture, and immigra- controlling all the wa- Gush Etzion. tion, and that all of these ter sources and demand projects be done under control and supervision in To prevent a destructive the inspection and super- setting all ecological stan- loss of water, Israel must vision of Israeli ecological dards. Otherwise, Israel retain full authority over experts. faces a very dry, polluted, these areas during the and bleak future. autonomy period and Otherwise, the unavoid-

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Withdrawing from History

Michael Freund

(Genesis 33:18–19). (Originally published in Abraham became the December 1995.) first new immigrant to It was this purchase that Israel, it was to Shechem led the rabbis to state When Israeli troops he went. According to that no one could ques- complete their pullout the Bible, “Abraham tion the Jewish claim to from Shechem (Nablus) passed into the land as Shechem. “Rabbi Yudan this week, they will be far as Shechem, until the son of Rabbi Simon leaving behind more than plain of Elon Moreh” stated, this is one of the just a city in Samaria. (Genesis 12:6). three places about which They will be abandoning the nations of the world more than 3,000 years of When Abraham’s grand- cannot deceive Israel by Jewish history, as well as son Jacob returned to saying, ‘You have stolen a place that has always Israel after an absence them’” (Bereishit Rabba played a prominent role of nearly twenty-two 79:7). How sad that our in our heritage. years, it was in Shechem own government has that he settled. “Jacob fallen victim to such Shechem was where our arrived intact at the deception. forefathers walked, where city of Shechem…. kings ruled, and where He bought the parcel So distinctive is Shechem Jewish patrimony in the of land upon which he that when the patri- Land of Israel was real- pitched his tent…for arch Jacob, who lay on ized. When the patriarch one hundred kesitahs” his deathbed, wanted to bless his beloved son Michael Freund, a columnist for the Jerusalem Joseph with a special Post, previously served as speechwriter for the Israeli gift, it was the city that Ambassador to the United Nations and as Assistant he chose to bequeath to Director of Policy Planning for the prime minister. him. “Then Israel said to Joseph…And as for me, I

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have given you Shechem, thousands of Jews every Arab animosity proved one portion more than year. Later, when Jero- too great, however, and your brothers” (Genesis boam was crowned king, most of the pioneers were 48:21–22). And so the he established the first forced to leave. city was passed down capital of the northern from father to son, from kingdom of Israel in the By the early 1900s, after one generation of Jews to city (I Kings 12). Thus, seven centuries of contin- the next. Jewish ancestry and Jew- uous Jewish settlement, ish royalty are closely the Jews left the city as a When Joshua, who led associated with the city. result of grinding pov- the Israelites into the erty and violent hostility. Promised Land, gath- Throughout the Middle After World War I, Jews ered the twelve tribes Ages, and into the mod- again attempted to live together before his ern era, Jews resided in in Shechem, but grow- death, it was Shechem Shechem. After Saladin ing Arab nationalism, that he chose as the defeated the Crusaders in and the 1929 anti-Jewish venue. “And Joshua the 12th century, Jews be- riots, brought a sad end gathered all the tribes gan to return to the city to this endeavor. of Israel to Shechem…. of their roots. Though And Joshua made a the community was In the 1970s, repeated covenant with the small, it struggled hard to efforts to settle Shechem people that day, and set renew the Jewish presence were rejected by the Is- them a statute and an in the city. Nachmanides raeli government, leading ordinance in Shechem” (the Ramban) wrote of a Jewish pioneers to instead (Joshua 24:1, 25). It Jewish community there, establish the nearby was there, in Shechem, as did other travelers and settlement of Elon that the Jewish people visitors. Moreh. In recent years, a renewed their commit- flourishing yeshiva with ment to live according Rabbi Menachem Mendel 70 students has been to God’s command- of Kaminitz, who visited operating in Shechem in ments, a commitment the city in 1883, testi- Joseph’s tomb. Despite they had undertaken on fied that there were three several attempts by the Mount Sinai. Jewish prayer quorums, students to recreate the two Sephardic and one Jewish community of old, t was in Shechem Ashkenazic, operating in successive Israeli govern- that the Israelites Shechem. In the 19th cen- ments would not allow it. buried Joseph, tury, attempts were made Jacob’s son, whose to settle dozens of Ash- Now, with the city to Itomb is still visited by kenazic Jews in the city. come under the control

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of PA troops, the tenu- it as “the inheritance of Though the government ous Jewish presence in the children of Joseph” may be able to withdraw Shechem is once again (Joshua 24:32). It is our from the city, it cannot in danger of being up- legitimate possession, by withdraw from our past. rooted. right of purchase and For more than three by right of inheritance. millennia, Shechem has However, so strong and No U.N. resolutions, nor been a focal point of our so insoluble is the bond any agreements signed national existence. It will between the Jewish on the White House yet again serve that role. people and Shechem lawn, can cut our links that the Bible refers to to Shechem.

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Israeli History in Palestinian Hands

SHIMON RIKLIN

(Originally published in construction at the site. accords. As a consequence September 1998.) After all, it would be un- of these protests, the thinkable for the Palestin- excavations were repeat- The extent to which the ians to accept a “rescue” edly halted and renewed. authors of the Oslo ac- excavation, certainly not Meanwhile, during the cords viewed the Jewish for the sake of developing excavations, a number of presence in Judea, Sama- the Jewish community undamaged Middle and ria, and Gaza as tempo- there. Late Bronze Age arti- rary can be seen from the facts, beads, and rings example of Tel Rumeida. The Hebron accord left were found. On the one hand, Tel the situation unchanged; Rumeida, ancient He- civilian authority in H2, 4,000 Different Sites bron, appears on the list which includes Hebron’s of important Israeli sites Jewish community, The ruins of approxi- that have been trans- remains in Palestinian mately 1,500 rural and ferred to Palestinian hands. Thus, when urban centers, dating control. But on the other excavations began at from the Neolithic to the hand, Jews actually live Tel Rumeida last month Ottoman periods, can be at the site. The meaning in order to enable the found throughout Judea, is clear. Since all of Tel construction of an army Samaria, and Gaza. In Rumeida is an archaeo- facility to protect the addition, there are more logical site, the Labor Jewish residents, the than 4,000 additional government effectively Palestinians objected, sites, from wine presses conceded the possibility claiming a violation of to graveyards, in these of future development or both the Oslo and Hebron areas. Many of these lo- cations relate to the his- Shimon Riklin is a staff correspondent for the Israeli tory of the Jewish people weekly Makor Rishon. in its land, from the

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time of its conquest and has no practical author- the book of Samuel. settlement in the 12th ity over the sites, and is century BCE. It should totally dependent on the Beyond the neglect of be noted that more than goodwill of the Palestin- such sites, the Tel a-Naz- 90 percent of the places ians. The list remains ba instance also demon- mentioned in the Bible accurate through the last strates a lack of security are located in Judea, withdrawal from Areas consideration. According Samaria, and Gaza. A and B, and mainly in- to the IDF’s working cludes ancient synagogues plan, Tel a-Nazba, the When the Oslo accords (such as Jericho, Gaza, highest peak overlooking were signed, Israel and Estamoa, and Maon) and the southern approaches the PLO symbolically left the tombs of important to al-Bireh and Ramal- archaeology as the last people such as those of lah, was supposed to topic for discussion; after the prophet Nathan and have served as a military all, despite the marginal Gad the Seer in Halhoul outpost. The IDF viewed influence of archaeology and Joshua’s gravesite in this as an asset, espe- on daily life in the state Kifel Hares. cially in the event of a of Israel, there is nothing possible outbreak of vio- that better expresses the A number of crude errors lence, such as occurred unprecedented concession were made in the list as after the Western Wall of a national homeland a result of poor prepa- tunnel exit was opened than surrendering the ration. A case in point in September 1996. For places that formed its is the Maccabean pal- some reason, despite be- character. aces on the southern and ing an important securi- northern banks of Wadi ty factor and an archaeo- In the article of the Oslo Kelt. How can the fact logical site, and in spite accords that is devoted to that Israel conceded the of the IDF plans, some- archaeology, Israel effec- northeast section of the one marked Tel a-Nazba tively concedes its right palaces be explained? It as Palestinian Authority to all the archaeological would have been simple (PA) property. sites in Judea, Samaria, to deflect Jericho’s Area and Gaza except for a A border a few dozen me- At the request of the small, symbolic list of ters to the east. The same Jewish residents of Tekoa sites important to Israel, question can be asked and as a result of pressure which also maintains the about the Tel a-Nazba, from the Civil Adminis- right to add additional which is near the check- tration staff officer re- sites to the list during point in southern Ramal- sponsible for archaeology future withdrawals. In lah, and is identified as in Judea, Samaria, and practice, however, Israel an observation post in Gaza, the sites of Herodi-

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an, Mount Gerizim, and of two key areas in Jew- activity at the site, the Nebi Samuel were kept, ish history now lies in the Jewish presence is always at the last moment, in hands of the Palestinians, conditional. For example, Israeli hands. and visits at these sites Jews are not allowed to are contingent upon their enter when there is a fear Another mistake was goodwill. of riots. In recent weeks, Israel’s volunteering to due to a misunderstand- include Samaria/Sebas- There are two syna- ing, prayers have not tia, Israel’s capital dat- gogues in Jericho: “Sha- been permitted in the ing back to King Omri, lom al Yisrael,” named synagogue itself; in fact, in Palestinian territory after the Hebrew text such misunderstandings even though the loca- included in a mosaic at depend on the mood of tion actually lies outside the site, and “Na’aran,” the Palestinian guards the PA. It appears that, near Ein Diuk. The two and there has already given the “new Middle synagogues were built been an incident in which East” atmosphere at during the Byzantine a Palestinian guard aimed the signing of the Oslo period, and appear on his loaded weapon at Jew- accords, it was not par- the list of important ar- ish worshippers. ticularly important to chaeological and histori- Israel’s representatives cal sites attached to the Activity at the synagogue whether some site would Oslo accords. in Na’aran is more limited be included within the and centers around orga- state of Israel or not. A yeshiva functions at nizing Sabbath retreats the Shalom al Yisrael at the nearby Camp t can most bluntly synagogue from Sunday Noam; overnight stays at be said that, on to Thursday. On Friday, Na’aran are prohibited. the various maps study groups arrive from The mosaic floor discov- of Israeli interests Mercaz Harav Yeshiva ered there, which was I(as prepared by both the in Jerusalem. Residents renovated when Israel previous and current of Shadmot Mehola, controlled the site, is be- governments), primary Ofra, Beit-El, Ma’aleh ginning to disintegrate. attention was given to Adumim, and Michmas Despite official Israeli the issues of security and also hold early morn- appeals to repair the mo- settlement. Painfully, ing prayers there. Orna saic, obviously at Israel’s Jewish heritage is no Kobus of Ofra periodi- expense, these requests longer “in”—neither in cally organizes cultural have not been granted, the country at large, nor activities. which will undoubt- among Israel’s decision edly lead to the complete makers. As such, the fate Despite the considerable destruction of the site.

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The Palestinians are thus Rajoub were interested cal finds worth a great in clear violation of the in building a house at Tel deal of money (includ- Oslo accords, since they a-Nazba in Ramallah, ing coins, undamaged are obligated “to protect no official would dare earthenware, marble such sites and to prevent prevent him from doing columns, and stones damage to them.” as much. with inscriptions) and selling them to interest- In fact, it can be said The Sinai Excavations ed parties in Israel. that the Palestinians are Precedent not complying with most In this manner, not only of Oslo’s archaeology- But it is the non-fulfill- are the sites slowly be- related articles. The joint ment of the articles pro- ing emptied of their committee of experts hibiting the theft of, and contents, but there is that was supposed to traffic in, archaeological less chance of someone cooperate on the issue has artifacts that constitutes eventually conducting met just a few times and, the worst damage to a scientific excavation, over the past year, it has sites in Judea, Samaria, given the great destruc- effectively ceased to exist. and Gaza. Even during tion that the thieves Despite the fact that the the period when Israel leave in their wake. Palestinians committed to controlled the entire area, respect academic freedom theft and vandalism were eanwhile, and to provide permits rampant as manifesta- there is one for archaeological excava- tions of anti-Israel activ- article of tions, not a single Israeli ity, but at least then there agreement researcher has actually was a fear of the Civil Mthat the Palestinians received a permit to dig Administration inspec- insist be implemented. in the Palestinian-ruled tion unit, which occasion- According to this stipula- areas. Despite the com- ally registered significant tion, “with due consider- mitment to prevent dam- success in apprehending ation to the Palestinian age to archaeological sites those stealing and traf- demand that Israel shall as a result of construc- ficking in antiquities. return all archaeologi- tion and development, cal artifacts found in the the Palestinian Author- Today, it can be clearly West Bank and the Gaza ity regime of fear and said that many Palestin- Strip since 1967, this issue favoritism, which also ian families make their shall be dealt with in the lacks skilled manpower, living from stealing and negotiations on the final is preventing this prom- trading antiquities, by status.” ise from being kept. If a digging at ancient sites, distant cousin of Jibril extracting archaeologi- The Palestinian demand

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to receive all the artifacts 2. It will include more impression that this is not is based on the precedent sites than all the previous the product of a mistake by which all the archaeo- withdrawals, since at is- or neglect on the part logical artifacts from sue is mainly handover of of the previous govern- Sinai excavations were re- open areas surrounding ment, paramount to the turned to Egypt. A read- the urban centers. abandonment of archaeo- ing of the article would logical sites, but rather an seem to indicate that the 3. The difference between intentional move consis- authors intended to give sites inside urban centers tent with that govern- these archaeological arti- and those in open areas ment’s secular political facts to the Palestinians is also expressed in the philosophy. After all, as part of the perma- degree of antiquity theft. when the Jewish people nent settlement. Despite becomes detached from the reality in which the While it is more difficult the landscape of its birth, Palestinians are violating to steal artifacts in the its link to the land, to the most relevant articles, it view of passersby, theft religion, and to Jewish appears that Israel will is far easier in open areas, tradition will in any case not prevent them from and more massive de- be broken. getting their way. struction is expected. From this perspective, a The fact that mainly It has arisen from inqui- direct line runs between the urban centers were ries that, if another with- Moshe Dayan’s order to given to the Palestinians drawal is made, the sad remove the Israeli flag during the first phase picture of a lack of con- from over the Temple of the Oslo accords sideration for the ancient Mount during the Six- has caused a smaller sites is liable to repeat Day War and the lack of amount of ruins and itself. The government is concern for the archaeo- ancient settlements to investing no effort in this logical sites where the be handed over thus far, matter. Nobody knows Jewish nation was born since the large sites are how the map of the com- and formed. This will generally located outside ing withdrawal will look, be a hindrance to future present-day Palestinian but there is a general generations and increase urban centers. From this picture and nevertheless, their general detachment standpoint, the planned reliable sources have said from Judaism, from the 13 percent second with- that no staff work on the land, and from the Jewish drawal is serious for archaeological sites has people’s history. three reasons: commenced. The Civil Administration 1. It will include key sites. It is difficult to shake the is embarrassed by these

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findings, since these al- end, the Civil Adminis- responsibility.” This is a legations are well-founded tration was able to make precedent-making as- in light of the Labor this redeeming statement: sertion that may yet be government’s exces- “Archaeological excava- evoked at important sites sive willingness to make tion is also part of the in the future. concessions, as expressed IDF’s security operations, in the agreements. In the and security is Israel’s

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About the Zionist Organization of America

The Zionist Organization of Israel’s Prime Minister Benja- make one-sided concessions. America (ZOA) is the oldest, min Netanyahu said: “When ZOA works to counter the exis- and one of the largest, pro-Is- I think of the ZOA, I think of tential threats that Israel faces. rael organizations in the United an organization that refuses The ZOA is the leader in making States. Founded in 1897 to to compromise on the truth a serious issue about the Pales- support the re-establishment regardless of prevailing fash- tinian promotion of hatred and of a Jewish State in the ancient ion... The Zionist Organization violence against Jews in their Land of Israel; its presidents of America, under the leader- schools, media and speeches. have included such illustri- ship of Morton Klein, has done ous Jewish leaders as U.S. important work in explaining The ZOA has also played a Supreme Court Justice Louis Israel’s case to the American major role in fighting anti- D. Brandeis, Rabbi Dr. Abba public, media, and Congress. Semitism and Israel bash- Hillel Silver, and Rabbi Stephen The ZOA has performed a vital ing on college campuses. Wise. The ZOA was the princi- service by documenting and ZOA’s testimony on campus pal organization mobilizing the combating anti-Israel media anti-Semitism led to landmark support of the U.S. government bias; and by helping Ameri- findings and recommenda- and the American public which cans understand the shared tions to combat this problem

“I urge you to support the ZOA and its efforts on behalf of Israel.” --Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

led to the establishment of values and mutual strategic by the U.S. Commission on Civil the State of Israel in 1948. interests that are the basis Rights. We triggered an inter- of U.S.-Israel friendship... The nal investigation at UC Irvine With a national membership ZOA has been a bulwark in to examine the possibility that of over 30,000 and active the defense of Israel and the a student group was illegally chapters throughout the Jewish people... I urge you to soliciting funds on campus to United States, the ZOA works support the ZOA and its ef- support Hamas. to strengthen U.S.-Israel rela- forts on behalf of Israel.” tions through our Divisions We bring in speakers, distribute of Government Relations, The Wall Street Journal said literature, and set up programs Campus Activities, and our “The ZOA is the most cred- at colleges across the country. Center for Law and Justice. ible advocate for Israel on the We teach students how to re- ZOA leaders frequently American Jewish scene today.” spond to anti-Israel propaganda appear on TV and radio The Jerusalem Post called the and each year we bring a large programs including O’Reilly ZOA “one of the most important group of students to Israel in- Factor, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, and influential Jewish groups cluding visits to Judea, Samaria, Fox, NPR, BBC and others. in the U.S. today.” The New and the Golan Heights, the only We also publish articles and York Times wrote that the ZOA major Jewish organization to letters in the New York Times, “ferrets out anti-Semitism do so. Washington Post, Wall Street wherever it is.” Journal, Jerusalem Post and The ZOA’s Kfar Silver School, on elsewhere. The ZOA produces The ZOA’s Government Rela- a 400-acre campus near Ashkel- and disseminates publica- tions Department continues to on, has provided education and tions such as “The Dangers educate members of Congress vocational training to more than of a Palestinian State” and about the truth of the Arab War 50,000 new Jewish immigrants “In Danger: Israel’s Sover- against Israel and the mistaken and others, and has a current eignty over Jerusalem.” policies pressuring Israel to student body of 1,000.

THE DANGERS Inside: Seven OF A Important PALESTINIAN Articles STATE

Haifa Shechem

Tel Aviv

Ariel

Beit El

Jerusalem Ashkelon Efrat

Hebron Sderot Gaza

Beersheva

Founded 1897 Zionist Organization of America

www.zoa.org

[email protected] ZIONIST ORGANIZATION OF AMERICA

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