Wednesday
Aug262009
Israel-Palestine: Fayyad Puts Invitation to Israel within a "Palestinian State"
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 14:11
Israel and Mitchell-Netanyahu: No Agreement Yet "Good"
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After Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that there would be no Palestinian state in the next 16 years, Palestinian (West Bank) Prime Minister Salam Fayyad talked to the Times on Tuesday and declared that the Palestinian Authority intends to establish a de-facto state within two years:
Fayyad added that if a functioning de facto state existed — with or without Israeli co-operation — including competent security forces, functioning public services and a thriving economy, it would force Israel to put its cards on the table as to whether it was serious about ending the 42-year occupation of the West Bank.
Yet this is far from a declaration of resistance to the current Israeli line. Fayyad's reference to "security forces" indicates he is ready for a de-militarized West Bank, and “a thriving economy” implies a blank cheque for Israeli investment and a welcome for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s economic improvement plan.
Fayyad also said that the days of mutual recriminations were over and that both sides must commit to the 2003 “road map” whereby Israel would implement a comprehensive settlement freeze and the Palestinians would curb the activities of militant groups. In effect, this was a guarantee that there will be no terrorist action by Fatah.
The touchstone issue of division is Israel's continuing construction of 2,500 housing units in the West Bank, which Fayyad said it was vital to stop. Given the Palestinian Prime Minister's willingness to give ground in other areas, will Tel Aviv finally give a concession on settlements so talks can resume?
Receive our latest updates by email or RSS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FEED
Buy Us A Cup of Coffee? Help Enduring America Expand Its Coverage and Analysis
After Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that there would be no Palestinian state in the next 16 years, Palestinian (West Bank) Prime Minister Salam Fayyad talked to the Times on Tuesday and declared that the Palestinian Authority intends to establish a de-facto state within two years:We have decided to be proactive, to expedite the end of the occupation by working very hard to build positive facts on the ground, consistent with having our state emerge as a fact that cannot be ignored. This is our agenda, and we want to pursue it doggedly.
Fayyad added that if a functioning de facto state existed — with or without Israeli co-operation — including competent security forces, functioning public services and a thriving economy, it would force Israel to put its cards on the table as to whether it was serious about ending the 42-year occupation of the West Bank.
Yet this is far from a declaration of resistance to the current Israeli line. Fayyad's reference to "security forces" indicates he is ready for a de-militarized West Bank, and “a thriving economy” implies a blank cheque for Israeli investment and a welcome for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s economic improvement plan.
Fayyad also said that the days of mutual recriminations were over and that both sides must commit to the 2003 “road map” whereby Israel would implement a comprehensive settlement freeze and the Palestinians would curb the activities of militant groups. In effect, this was a guarantee that there will be no terrorist action by Fatah.
The touchstone issue of division is Israel's continuing construction of 2,500 housing units in the West Bank, which Fayyad said it was vital to stop. Given the Palestinian Prime Minister's willingness to give ground in other areas, will Tel Aviv finally give a concession on settlements so talks can resume?