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REPORT ON SETTLEMENT IN THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

A Bimonthly Publication of the Foundation for Middle East Peac e Volum e 20 N umber 5 September-October 2010

BARACK OBAMA LOSES THE BATTLE FOR A SETTLEMENT FREEZE

By Geoffrey Aronson struction in the to approxi - sity. In July 2009, however, the limits of mately 2,000. In view of this new con - Obama’s commitment to the freeze were President Barack Obama’s extraordi - struction, the practical value of a reim - revealed when Washington bowed nary diplomatic effort over the last two position of a settlement moratorium before ’s continuing settlement years has failed to contain to any signifi - becomes increasingly marginal. expansion in East , notably at cant and lasting degree the expansion of To the extent that there is a substan - the site of the Shepherds Hotel in Israeli settlements in the occupied West tive U.S. diplomatic agenda, it is that , throwing its demand for Bank and East Jerusalem. Already in its two months of direct talks are all that is a freeze into disarray and underlining first days, the Obama administration required to reach an agreement on the continuing stalemate. From this placed a settlement freeze, then defined where to place the border between Israel point onward, Washington has sought, by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as and a nascent Palestinian state. In view with little consistency or success, to “not some settlements, not outposts, not of the fact that diplomats have failed to “freeze” the freeze debate and focus its natural growth exceptions”—at the cen - draw an agreed border between Israel effort upon the achievement of a largely ter of its diplomatic effort and made it and Palestine for more than more than procedural objective—the establishment the litmus test of Prime Minister Benja- seven decades, and the chasm currently of direct negotiations between Israel and min Netanyahu’s commitment to a two separating the positions of Netanyahu the Palestine Liberation Organization state solution. Washington’s subsequent and Abbas, Washington’s compressed (PLO)—in order to address the core failure to establish meaningful con - timeline appears to be little more than a issues in dispute. straints on settlement expansion was leap of faith. Phase II – Stillborn Direct Talks highlighted by the September 27, 2010 The Obama administration’s actions end of Israel’s ten month inconclusive can be roughly divided into five phases. A September 2009 meeting between settlement moratorium and the official Netanyahu, Abbas, and Obama was Phase I – Settlement Freeze resumption of new construction. The expected to mark the inauguration of a settlement issue nonetheless continues Before assuming office in January new phase in Washington’s Middle East to define the flagging U.S. effort, even 2009, top administration officials had policy. The summit was intended, as the though American officials have con - decided to place a settlement freeze at president himself acknowledged, “to cluded that the focus on settlements was the center of “confidence building” move off the rut that we’re in currently.” obstructing rather than facilitating its measures that would enable progress The leaders met but the overall effort to broader diplomatic agenda. toward an end to Israel’s occupation and initiate direct negotiations was stillborn. The Obama administration is now the creation of an independent Palestin- Phase III – Settlement Moratorium attempting to win from Israel a two ian state at peace with Israel. President month re-imposition of the moratorium Obama seized the policy initiative, In October 2009, Abbas decried his in order to convince PLO chairman declaring in Cairo in June 2009 “the “betrayal” by Washington because of to resume direct talks, illegitimacy of continued Israeli settle - Obama’s failure to win a complete which stalled when the moratorium ments,” and describing the solution of freeze and declared his intention not to lapsed. In the days since the September the conflict as a “vital national security run for reelection as chairman of the 26 expiration of the moratorium, work interest” of the United States. Palestinian Authority, then scheduled has reportedly begun on close to 500 Obama’s insistent call for a compre - for 2010. On November 25, 2009 new settlement dwellings, increasing the hensive end to continued settlement number of units currently under con - activity was unprecedented in its inten - FREEZE , continued on page 6 TO OUR READERS FOUNDATION FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE The Obama administration’s efforts to two sides? create a two-state peace between Israel and Perhaps President Obama has decided, Merle Thorpe, Jr. Palestine are in deep trouble. After over a therefore, that if the parties can’t agree Founder year of unsuccessful efforts to win a settle - themselves on a border in the next two (1917–1994) ment freeze and promote real negotiations, months, the U.S. will offer its own propos - Washington is now offering extraordinary als on borders to resolve the issues of settle - Philip C. Wilcox, Jr. strategic benefits to Israel in return for ments and Jerusalem, and on the issues of President what seems to be a trivial two-month mutual security and refugees as well? Geoffrey Aronson renewal of the settlement freeze in the If the U.S. is considering such a bold, Director, Research and hope that this will enable to the parties to unprecedented plan to break the impasse, it Publications, Editor, Report on agree on borders. For example, the U.S. has should be possible to outline a vision of a in the Occupied reportedly offered, in exchange, support for two-state peace that would appeal to the Territories a residual IDF presence in the Jordan vital interests of , , Nitzan Goldberger Valley after a peace agreement, and no Americans, and the international commu - Waseem Mardini more demands for freezing settlements. nity, and transform the current dismal poli - Editorial Assistants This is puzzling. But could there be more tics of the region. Together, the U.S., its to U.S. policy than meets the eye? allies, and potential silent majorities of Carmel Lev Perhaps the U.S. now recognizes that Israelis and Palestinians could create a Grace Nagel Interns continued bilateral talks alone—much less coalition to persuade Israeli and Palestinian for only two more months—which have leaders to negotiate peace. Using its long IN MEMORIAM always failed in the past, will likely fail experience and unique relationship with Peter A. Gubser again for well-known reasons: Israel’s dys - Israel, the U.S. could make this happen. (1941–2010) functional politics that exaggerate internal We can still hope. DIRECTORS divisions and encourage extremism; crip - pling Palestinian disunity; and the over - Landrum R. Bolling whelming imbalance of power between the Calvin H. Cobb, Jr. James J. Cromwell Stephen Hartwell THOUSANDS OF UNITS IN SETTLEMENT PIPELINE Richard S.T. Marsh Since 1967, Israel has constructed approximately 50,000 dwelling units in West Richard W. Murphy Bank settlements and a similar number in East Jerusalem. There are currently more Jean C. Newsom than 2,000 units under construction in the former. The following is a breakdown of Gail Pressberg how many planned housing units [on the West Bank] have already passed the vari - William B. Quandt ous stages of authorization needed to allow for construction to begin on the ground: Nicholas A. Veliotes I Planning stage—37,000 housing units: Authorization has been given to the prospective builder by the Supreme Planning Committee in the Civil Administra- The Foundation, a non-profit tion after all of the plans were examined and notice of the construction was publi - I.R.C. 501(c)(3) organization, cized in order to allow time for all opposing parties to voice their objections. These supports peace and security for plans have also received the authorization of the defense minister. Israelis and Palestinians I Authorization stage—11,000 housing units: The prospective builder either through mutual recognition and a negotiated division of received or bought the right to use the plot in question by means of a special historic Palestine. It publishes process for building in the settlements. Now the prospective builder awaits a con - the bi-monthly Report on struction permit from the local authority—a normal process that is followed in Israeli Settlement in the Occupied every local authority inside the as well—and no authorization by the Territories . defense minister is required at all. Copyright © 2010 I Construction can begin—2,000 housing units: Prospective builders who have received all the necessary construction permits and theoretically can begin to build Sign up to receive the Report immediately with the expiration of the moratorium. Had they put down the foun - by e-mail, to be notified of dations more quickly last year, they would have been allowed to continue construc - events in Washington, D.C., tion during the ten-month moratorium. and more. Visit us at Yediot Aharonot , September 21, 2010 www.fmep.org.

2 O Report on Israeli Settlement September-October 2010 WHAT’S IN A NUMBER

Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) counts construc - mits. According to a count conducted by using tion starts in settlements by the number of construction per - aerial photos and site visits, approximately 600 new housing mits formally issued but does not conduct surveys on the units were started and another 167 caravans were erected dur - ground, reports Peace Now. According to the CBS, the con - ing the moratorium that ended on September 26, 2010. The struction data does not include caravans, mobile homes, out - settlement moratorium excluded construction that had already post construction, illegal building not registered in Interior begun before the 26th of November 2009. Today there are Ministry reporting, and settlements whose population is less more than 2,000 housing units under construction in West than 10,000 residents. Much of the construction in settle - Bank settlements, including some 500 initiated after the ments is installation of caravans and buildings without per - moratorium ended.

September-October 2010 Report on Israeli Settlement O 3 SETTLEMENT TIME LINE

April 1 Some 200 Palestinians and Israelis of construction plans in Sheikh Jarrah in tlers in response to the Israeli government’s confront Israeli security forces at the Bitu- which Nahalat Shimon has already invested decision to place a moratorium on settle - niya crossing, north of Jerusalem, injuring large amounts of money. (Israel Radio) ment construction. ( Ha’aretz ) three border police officers. ( - Israeli minister of infrastructure April 15 Israeli defense minister Ehud Hatzofe ) threatens to restrict the supply of water to Barak requests that the High Court of The Palestinian Authority (PA) bans the sale the because of an Justice postpone by six months the date on of Israeli SIM cards on the ground that the inadequate number of sewage purification which the state will be required to announce Israeli companies provide telecommunication plants administered by the PA. Landau says, the demolition of the Harasha and Hayovel services via towers built within settlements “They get clean water from us, and in return outposts. (Israel Radio) and on other occupied Palestinian land. they give us sewage. This destroys nature, April 18 The New York Times issues a cor - (Ma’an News) and I would also say that this is the way that rection to a photo caption that originally wicked people behave.” According to statis - Settlers set up caravans, tents, and water described Ramat Shlomo as a “Jewish settle - tics published by the Ministry of Infrastruc- tanks on land belonging to the Palestinian ment in the West Bank” instead of “a neigh - ture, the PA treats 5 percent of the sewage village of Deir al-Hatab. A spokesman for borhood in East Jerusalem.” (Arutz 7) in the West Bank, while the settlements the (IDF) says that the treat 70 percent. () April 19 On Israel’s Independence Day, settlers’ presence was authorized by the mili - settlers from set out on their annual tary and would not extend beyond the Pass- Note: Construction of treatment facilities march toward the Palestinian village of over holiday. Residents of Deir al-Hatab and other water-related projects by the PA Madama. Clashes ensue when IDF soldiers accused the settlers of attempting to estab - are routinely disallowed or delayed by Israeli attempt to turn them back. (Israel Radio) lish an outpost of the nearby authorities. Wastewater projects experience settlement. (Ma’an News) the lowest rate of approval due to Israeli Settlers destroy water tanks and other prop - restrictions on construction in and erty at the General Union of Palestinian Jerusalem municipality officials declare that requirements for water-quality standards Workers’ housing complex in Ein Sinyia, a slowing of demolitions of Arab homes in that exceed internationally accepted norms. north of Ramallah. (Ma’an News) East Jerusalem was due to technical and For more on Israeli restrictions on Pale- financial limitations over the preceding four April 21 Yediot Aharonot reports that set - stinian water sector development, see months, not because of U.S. pressure. They tlers from the Hayovel outpost had recently Settlement Report , vol. 19, no. 3 (2009). announce that demolitions will resume fol - uprooted some 200 olive trees belonging to lowing Passover. (Army Radio) April 12 The government of Jordan files a residents of Karyut, south of . request with UNESCO to build the Mugh- April 2 Summar Saif Radwan, a 21-year- Settlers from discharge sewage rabi bridge, which would provide access to old Palestinian woman, dies when struck by onto 70,000 square meters of a Palestinian the from the . a car driven by a settler, west of Ramallah. vineyard in Beit Umar, near . (Ma’an Israeli officials claim to also have a plan to (Ma’an News) News) build a bridge but have not made it public Chief Palestinian negotiator Dozens of residents from the and due to apprehension over Palestinian reac - says, “Settler violence and the wanton settlements sing, dance, and tions. ( Ma’ariv ) destruction of Palestinian property replicate fire bullets into the air near the Palestinian April 14 Peace Now is reconsidering its what is being done on a much larger scale by village of Khirbet Hamam. (Ma’an News) petition to the High Court of Justice Israel as it pushed ahead with illegal settle - April 5 At Ma’ale Adumim, Israeli prime requesting the demolition of 12 houses in ment construction across the West Bank, minister says, “Con- outposts including the homes of IDF sol - including East Jerusalem. . . . The settlers are struction will continue in the south, in the diers Roi Klein and Eliraz Peretz, who were the direct beneficiaries of a state policy that north, and in Jerusalem.” ( Makor Rishon- killed during active duty after the petition says it is OK to occupy and steal another Hatzofe ) was filed. Public pressure has been mounting people’s land, to demolish their homes, to in recent weeks to prevent the demolition of steal their water, to construct segregated Israeli, Palestinian, and international activists the officers’ homes. ( Ma’ariv ) roads and build entire cities behind the walls demonstrate against the expansion of the of an apartheid system that promotes settle - Beit Umar settlement, along Route 60. Ha’aretz reports a recent survey revealing ments by stripping Palestinians of their basic (Ma’an News) that during the past three years, 1,361 apart - rights and freedoms.” (Ma’an News) ments in Jewish neighborhoods of Jerusalem April 7 Nahalat Shimon, an Israeli non- were sold to Arabs. April 23 Ma’ariv reports a U.S. commit - profit organization, files suit at the Jerusalem ment to begin proximity talks between Israel Magistrates Court to evict two Arab families In the village of Hawara, settlers uproot 300 and the Palestinians without a halt in settle - from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah and to olive trees, set fire to two cars, and spray ment construction in East Jerusalem. charge them for the cost of the eviction. The anti-Arab and anti-Muslim slogans across group argues that the families constitute a the town including the walls of a mosque. April 25 Israeli authorities demolish the nuisance and threat to the neighborhood and The acts appear to be part of the ongoing foundations for 20 residential units in the that they are impeding the implementation ‘price tag’ policy implemented by some set - settlements of Almog and Beit Haarava, on

4 O Report on Israeli Settlement September-October 2010 SETTLEMENT TIME LINE the northern shore of the . Israeli security personnel dismantle a syna - May 18 The PA officially launches the (Ma’ariv ) gogue at the outpost of West Tapuah. House to House campaign to encourage res - (Ha’aretz ) idents to purchase Palestinian goods and Accompanied by hundreds of Israeli police, produce and to boycott those from settle - 25 Israeli right-wing activists march through PA customs officials seize 10 tons of settle - ments. (Ma’an News) , in East Jerusalem, waving Israeli ment-grown cantaloupes being transported flags and shouting nationalist slogans. ( Yediot to Bethlehem. Charges are pressed against Nablus governor Jibreen al-Bakri says that Aharonot ) the merchant importing the fruit because the the Palestinian boycott of settlement goods sale of such goods violates the PA’s ban on has led to the closure of 17 factories in the April 26 and Ma’ariv settlement products. (Ma’an News) settlements thus far. () report that Prime Minister Netanyahu has hinted at legalizing dozens of settlement May 5 Israeli transportation minister Responding to the PA’s ban on products outposts in the West Bank, including Givat Yisrael Katz announces the state’s intention from settlement companies, the Hayovel, Netiv Ha’avot, and Derech to establish a railway system connecting Council releases the following statement: Ha’avot. An Israeli official says a compre - parts of the West Bank and Jerusalem.On a “This is an act . . . of hostility with all hensive process will be implemented to visit to several settlements, he says, “In four intents and purposes on the part of the determine if land on which outposts are built months, construction in and Palestinian Authority and its leaders, and it is state land, and if it is, the outposts will be will resume at full momentum. The residents must be answered immediately and decisive - considered for legalization. of Samaria will remain in their place forev - ly just like any other act of hostility. . . . This er.” ( ) is a clear violation of the Paris Protocol, April 28 PA president Mahmoud Abbas which regulates the economic relations issues a draft law to boycott and prohibit May 6 Israeli security forces demolish between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. settlement products in the Palestinian terri - three illegal structures at the Israel must use the Palestinian Authority’s tories. (WAFA) settlement and subsequently clash with a funds in its possession to compensate the large group of settler youths. ( Ha’aretz ) April 29 Settlers from Yitzhar march on boycotted factories.” (Ynet) May 9 Peace Now reports that work has Hawara village, throwing stones and damag - May 19 About 3,000 Palestinians go door begun for the construction of 14 housing ing property. ( Ha’aretz ) to door in the effort to persuade residents to units for Ma’ale David, a new settlement in boycott goods produced in settlements. Ha’aretz reports settlers in the northern a former police compound in Azariya. The (Ha’aretz ) setting up tents near Bedouin new settlement of 104 units will connect encampments to disrupt life there in an with the existing settlement of Ma’ale May 22 The Italian supermarket chains effort to subsequently pressure the IDF to Zeitim. COOP and Noriconad announce that they declare the area a closed military zone and will suspend the sale of products from May 10 Settlers set fire to agricultural force the Bedouins to leave. Carmel Agrexco, the Israeli agricultural fields belonging to the Palestinian village of goods exporter, because it does not indicate May 2 The IDF confiscates 173 dunams Jit, between Nablus and Qalqilya. (Ma’an) of Palestinian land to build a checkpoint on to customers whether its products are from Highway 443, which will be partially open May 13 Settlers shoot and kill a 14-year- Israel or the settlements. (Ma’an) old Palestinian boy near Ramallah after to Palestinian traffic at the end of May. May 26 Ma’ariv reports on the Israeli gov - stones are thrown at their vehicle. (Y ediot (Ma’an News) ernment’s intention to disburse roughly $13 Aharonot , Israel Radio) May 3 Settlers set fire to a mosque in the million to settlements in the form of ‘securi - May 14 Yediot Aharonot reports a delay in West Bank village of Luban al-Sharkiya. ty grants’ for harm incurred because of the the demolition of 109 Arab homes in Silwan (nana.co.il, Yediot Aharonot ) moratorium on settlement construction. due to U.S. pressure and efforts surrounding May 30 Ha’aretz reports on a UN assess - The Attorney’s Office proximity talks between Israel and the ment that accuses Israel of deliberately dis - files suit against the Jewish settlement in Palestinians. rupting efforts by the international commu - Hebron for the cost of their 2008 eviction, Palestinians fire on an Israeli vehicle travel - nity to deliver aid to the Palestinians in the which amounted to about $85,000. ( Makor ing along the trans-Samaria highway , caus - West Bank and . Rishon-Hatzofe ) ing minor injuries to the driver and passen - A Palestinian driver and passenger are treat - ger. ( Israel Hayom ) ed for smoke inhalation after settlers throw a The Marker reports that as a result of U.S. flaming torch into their car as they wait at pressure to freeze settlement construction in the Atara checkpoint into Ramallah. (Ma’an the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the News) Israel Land Administration has stopped Israeli authorities demolish six structures in publicly publishing tenders. This includes a that were in violation of December 2009 announcement for 150 units the settlement construction moratorium. in Pizgat Ze’ev and for 300 units in Neve (Ynet) Ya’akov, issued in March 2010.

September-October 2010 Report on Israeli Settlement O 5 FREEZE , continued from page 1 In June 2010, U.S. officials declared the proximity talks a success, noting that the freeze had “facilitate[d] productive Netanyahu announced a 10-month partial moratorium on set - proximity talks to lead into those direct talks and to help tlement construction in the West Bank, noting that, “When facilitate an atmosphere of confidence and trust to address the suspension ends my government will revert to the policies what are, of course, some very complicated issues.” Relations of previous governments in relation to construction.” with Netanyahu, which had been strained by the announce - In a choreographed response, Secretary of State Clinton ment of new settlement plans in East Jerusalem on the eve of issued the following statement: Vice President Joseph Biden’s March visit to Israel, also We believe that through good-faith negotiations the parties improved after a summit meeting with Obama. With consen - can mutually agree on an outcome which ends the conflict and sus between the parties still absent, the Obama administration reconciles the Palestinian goal of an independent and viable contented itself with expressions of hope for the coming state based on the 1967 lines, with agreed swaps, and the phase. The arduously crafted diplomatic formulation of Israeli goal of a Jewish state with secure and recognized borders November 2009 was absent. that reflect subsequent developments and meet Israeli security In September 2010, Israeli and Palestinian leaders and requirements. officials met in Sharm el Sheikh and Jerusalem. These The statement reflected Washington’s view of a broader encounters marked a Palestinian retreat from their unequivo - diplomatic effort than a limited moratorium—one that cal opposition to direct talks in the absence of a comprehen - focused on final status arrangements. The Clinton statement sive settlement freeze. Two rounds of talks between - offered the U.S. view of the core requirements of each party as hu and Abbas offered a forum for an introductory exchange of the first year anniversary of Obama’s administration neared. views, including on final status issues, but little more. There Regarding settlements, the new U.S. language recalled was no agreement on the agenda for discussions and no clarity assurances regarding settlement blocs referenced obliquely in on their objective. U.S. officials suggested that an intensive the April 2004 letter from President George W. Bush to effort over three months to determine the border between Prime Minister Sharon—assurances that the Obama Israel and a Palestinian state would signal the transition to administration has refused to reaffirm. final status talks and at the same time solve the issue of the The Bush letter stated, “In light of new realities on the soon-to-expire settlement freeze. ground, including already existing major Israeli population Phase VI – The Moratorium Expires centers, it is unrealistic to expect that the outcome of final status negotiations will be a full and complete return to the On September 26, Israel’s 10-month policy of limiting set - armistice lines of 1949.” Clinton noted support for “recon - tlement expansion in the West Bank ended. The Netanyahu cile[ing] the Palestinian goal of an independent state based on government intends to continue settlement expansion accord - the 1967 lines, with agreed [land] swaps, and the Israeli goal ing to broad guidelines followed by its predecessors. During of a Jewish state with secure and recognized borders that the moratorium, starts of new settlement units did indeed reflect subsequent developments and meet Israeli security needs.” plummet, but the partial nature of the construction restric - (emphasis added) tions limited its long-term impact. The expiration of the moratorium highlighted not only the policy’s modest practical Phase IV – Proximity Talks impact but also the Palestinians’ inability to move the diplo - Unable to establish a direct dialogue, special U.S. envoy matic agenda in the direction of the permanent, comprehen - George Mitchell in early 2010 re-branded his shuttle diplo - sive freeze they have demanded at various times over the last macy as “proximity” talks. This description was a rhetorical 20 years. device that did little to mask the absence of progress. The Azzam al Ahmad, a key Abbas confidant, alluded to this inauguration of this new phase heralded neither a new diplo - on September 29 when he noted, matic framework nor the establishment of a sound foundation “There will be no negotiations in light of the settlements. for direct diplomatic engagement. Mitchell’s continuing effort The decision is very clear. . . We will not attend any negotia - did, however, represent Abbas’ willingness, with critical sup - tions session before the comprehensive discontinuation of the set - port by the , to engage diplomatically despite the tlement activities. This is the first time since the Oslo agreement unmet demand for a credible settlement freeze. that these activities are opposed with such power. I am saying this for the first time: there is an American and European Phase V – Direct Talks opposition to the settlement activities, recognizing that these The focus of U.S. diplomacy in the months before the settlements have swallowed our land before our eyes. September 26, 2010 expiration of the 10 month moratorium Abbas, with Arab League support, made good on an oft- more than ever centered upon the procedural objective of repeated threat to “freeze” the fledgling, bilateral diplomatic starting direct negotiations. Throughout the summer the track that Washington had labored to engineer. Intensive Obama administration placed a “full court press” on a reluc - negotiations by Washington with both parties now focused on tant Abbas to consent to direct talks “without conditions.” “reviving” the stillborn direct talks.

6 O Report on Israeli Settlement September-October 2010 Washington’s current effort appears to be a variation of the unsuccessful undertaking of a year ago when the administra - tion attempted to establish direct talks by providing assur - ances to each party. The unilateral guarantees that the Obama administration is now proposing to Israel represent U.S. sup - port for Israeli-defined security requirements in the event of a final status agreement. In this critical respect they represent an extraordinary “down payment” that Washington is pre - pared to make in order to achieve a temporary slow down in new settlement construction. Like the letter sent by President George W. Bush to Prime Minister in 2004, the package of security incentives, reportedly including support for a long-term Israeli security presence in the Jordan Valley along Palestine’s eastern frontier, also signals Washington’s wholesale adoption of Israel’s security narrative in the context ments off the table” until the issue is resolved as part of final of an ever-elusive final status agreement. In return for this status talks. One participant in a recent administration support Washington is asking the Netanyahu government Capitol Hill briefing described this offer as “huge.” This for - only for a limited tactical concession. That is, in return for mulation presents an American policy on settlements at odds wide-raging American territorial and security assurances that with the recommendations made in 2001 by the Mitchell have a direct bearing on the shape Committee report and reaffirmed of a final status agreement, the in the Road Map (2003), notably Obama administration expects a the demand for an immediate, limited and undefined re-imposi - “A prime minister to receive such comprehensive end to settlement tion of a settlement construction a package of benefits from the expansion, including “natural moratorium whose value diminish - Americans has yet to be born. growth.” While the Bush letter es with each passing day. The Jordan Valley for two months. acknowledged that settlements had There are also important differ - indeed created facts on the ground ences between the Bush and There should be protests on the that could not be ignored, he did Obama efforts. streets in support of this proposal. qualify it by noting the need for I The Bush “reassurances” were Unbelievable.” Palestinian agreement. Obama’s made before the Annapolis process Eitan Haber, longtime aide to offer to end the U.S. campaign for initiated a policy review by U.S restrictions on settlement expan - , Yediot Aharanot , officials lead initially by now NSC sion in 60 days if Netanyahu director James Jones to examine October 7, 2010 agrees, contains no such caveat. Israeli and Palestinian security Washington appears to premise needs in the event of a final status its unusual offer on the assumption agreement. This process was transformed into a bilateral U.S.- that if Israel is reassured that its security concerns will be met, Israel security dialogue that has proceeded in a track parallel an agreement on borders can be achieved in this short period, to the better known diplomatic effort. There is no similar removing the issue of a settlement freeze from the diplomatic U.S.-Palestinian dialogue. The Obama security package offers agenda and making moot the U.S. promise not to oppose con - evidence that these once-separate tracks—one diplomatic and tinuing settlement after a newly reimposed moratorium the other security-related—have now been combined. expires. Abbas supports a “borders first” effort, as the PLO I Bush was prepared to compensate Israel for a strategic has for the last two decades. Notwithstanding the U.S. offer, policy choice—“disengagement” from the Gaza Strip—that Netanyahu opposes an effort to draw a border, certainly Sharon had already made. Obama is trying to “buy” an Israeli according to the timeline proposed by Washington. decision on a time-limited, partial settlement moratorium that Netanyahu, unlike Sharon, who welcomed the arduously Netanyahu is opposed to making. negotiated Bush letter, has rejected the unprecedented Obama I The Bush letter was conceptually similar to the policy demarche as insufficient. He is said to be demanding a re- adopted by Sharon. Both were focused on defining the strate - affirmation of the Bush commitment on settlement annexa - gic relationship between Israel and the Palestinians. In con - tion. He has also linked his support for a two month morato - trast, Obama appears to be ready to provide specific U.S. rium, which under current circumstances is of little practical guarantees of a strategic nature in return for a temporary, tac - value, to what has until now been a “final status” demand that tical concession. Palestinians support Israel’s definition as a Jewish state, Obama now supports a two month settlement expansion throwing an already battered U.S. effort into turmoil. N moratorium, after which Washington promises to “take settle -

September-October 2010 Report on Israeli Settlement O 7 TOURISM MINISTER ESTABLISHING FACTS ON THE GROUND

While the Americans are struggling to arrange a contin - The big money will be given to the Etzion Bloc, the ued construction freeze in the territories, there are those in Jordan Valley and East Jerusalem. The Tourism Ministry will Israel who are already preparing vigorously for the next stage. transfer USD 417,000 for renovation and upgrading of the Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov intends to transfer in the Herodion site within the boundaries of the Etzion Bloc near future millions of shekels to settlements in Judea and Regional Council, about USD 555,000 to the Kasr al-Yahud Samaria for the purpose of developing tourist sites and attrac - baptism site in the Jordan Valley, and about USD 1.35 million tions in the territories. for developing projects in East Jerusalem: USD 550,000 for An internal Tourism Ministry document shows that in the City of David, USD 417,000 for Zedekiah’s Cave and total, over USD2 million will be transferred to Judea and USD 417,000 for tourism infrastructure in the Old City. Samaria and East Jerusalem. Minister Misezhnikov, who is Tourism Minister Misezhnikov sent letters yesterday to strongly opposed to the freeze, wishes to let the local authori - mayors in Judea and Samaria and explained that he consid - ties develop the tourism branch within their boundaries. ered this a Jewish-Zionist necessity. “The Tourism Ministry Many areas in Judea and Samaria will enjoy the benefit of attaches great importance to developing tourism in Judea and the large budgets that the ministry stands to transfer. The Samaria, which is the basis for ‘Every Jew’s Story’ [title of the Samaria Regional Council will receive USD 83,000 for West Bank tourism campaign] and is located in the very heart tourism projects within its jurisdiction (signs in the of the State of Israel,” the minister wrote. “The historical her - forest, paving bicycle trails in the forest), the itage serves as a significant drawing point both for internal Binyamin Regional Council will receive USD 28,000 for put - tourism and for tourism from abroad.” ting up signs in tourist sites, the Southern Hebron Hills In the letter, the tourism minister notes that upon the Regional Council will receive USD 28,000 to develop the expiration of the security cabinet’s decision to suspend con - historical site, the share of the struction in Judea and Samaria, “I have decided to budget Regional Council will be USD 28,000 for developing bicycle infrastructure, tourism and public projects throughout Judea trails in Kaneh, and the Kiryat Local Council will and Samaria.” receive USD 11,100 for planning tourism projects. Yediot Aharonoth , September 20, 2010

And some of you may remember that when I pushed for and then went and stood with Netanyahu on behalf of the moratorium, it was summarily criticized roundly and consistently by everyone in the region. And I took my fair share of that criticism for saying what happened to be the fact that it was an unprecedent - ed decision by an Israeli government. And now, we’re told that negotiations can’t continue unless something that was viewed as being inadequate continues as well. So I think there’s a lot of ways to get to the goal. Remember, the goal is to work toward agreement on core issues like borders and territories that would, if agreed upon, eliminate the debate about settlements, because some areas would be inside Israel and some areas would not be inside Israel. So I think that there are obliga - tions on both sides to ensure that these negotiations continue. . . . Briefing En Route to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, September 13, 2010

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