I am not in favor of a continued freeze in Yehuda and Shomron.
However, as things look, it is likely that this dangerous idea will pass the vote in the Security Cabinet and take effect.
Therefore, and only therefore, I am proposing a different version of the freeze proposal:
(1) Transparency - the people of Israel deserve to know the exact terms of the deal with the USA. I'm not an American or Arab politician, but if I were, I'd want my constituents to know, as well.
(2) Israel should vote that: Construction will halt for 3 days. If the PLO agrees to a meeting within those three days, the freeze will THEN continue for 87 days. If within 3 days, Abbas or Ahmed Queri cannot make the short drive to the Prime Ministers Office in Jerusalem, the freeze is canceled.
(3) If the PLO agrees to negotiations and the freeze goes into effect, within one month, the PLO must make a public statement of a major concession (on "blocs", Jerusalem, the Kotel, ending incitement, Jewish State - something!). If after one month of negotiations (at least two summit meetings plus at least 3 negotiating team meetings), no public announcement of a concession is made, the freeze will be canceled without prejudice or condemnation by the USA.
(4) If, after the freeze, the PLO wishes to continue negotiations, they must do so without the demand of a freeze. The USA commits to (a) not ask for another freeze and (b) commits to no public pronouncements or condemnations regarding construction or zoning permits issued in Jerusalem, Yehuda, Binyamin, Shomron or the Golan.
I can't honestly see how anyone; left, right or center could possibly disagree that this formula is a vast improvement on the current idea of "Freeze for 90 days and then wait and see who shows up." Even supporters of a freeze have to realize that without some gesture from the PLO, the freeze works completely against Israel and is a useless burden to the economic and social fabric of the country.
Deny the freeze! But if it must pass, at least condition it on actual progress.
A freeze, if not done properly, is pointless. Your way at least gives us a chance to succeed, otherwise, it's a waste of time ... for both sides.
ReplyDelete