When we hear Israeli ministers explaining Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s moves, we become confused. Labor party ministers claim that he crossed the lines and that we are on the brink of an unprecedented diplomatic breakthrough. They also note their achievements within the current government: A rightist PM’s declaration regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state, and a complete freeze on settlement construction (de facto, and soon in the framework of an agreement.)
We are talking about a move that will realize the Saudi initiative: A Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with adjustments in the large settlement blocs. This is seemingly an amazing phenomenon: A prime minister elected by rightist voters is implementing the platform of the Labor party, represented by seven Knesset members in the government.
On the other hand, Likud government ministers claim that Netanyahu has remained loyal to his national doctrine. When he says “Palestinian state” he means “autonomy.” He does not intend under any circumstances to uproot communities. After all, Benny Begin and Moshe Yaalon would not stay in his government if he was a prime minister who converted and proceeds to follow in Ariel Sharon’s footsteps.
They also claim that we are facing the most hostile American Administration ever and that it exerts unreasonable pressure on Israel; yet for several months now Netanyahu has been engaged in tough negotiations, they say, and so far prompted radical changes in the administration’s positions. For example, the construction freeze is not a real one, as 2,500 housing units will continue to be built, while no limits will be placed on the construction of education and health facilities. In addition, the construction of hundreds of homes will be approved not only in the large settlement blocs, but all across Judea and Samaria, and Jerusalem is out of bounds in any case.
On the other hand, al-Jazeera report Jacky Rowland, who was nearly hit by a tear gas grenade during a demonstration, wonders how can one freeze construction on one hand and start construction on the other hand. She claims this makes the freeze meaningless, as construction on “occupied Palestinian land” violates international law and undermines the principle of a Palestinian state based on the notion of land for peace.
Rowland expresses the Palestinian position well. She does not believe Netanyahu, and the same is true for Peace Now members. Meanwhile, Kadima’s Tzipi Livni is telling American officials that Netanyahu is deceiving them.
The big question is what is the prime minister’s actual position?
Clarifications needed
I tend to think that Netanyahu indeed did not cross the lines and does not intend to establish a Palestinian state. I also believe that he does not endorse the Annapolis model and Olmert’s understandings. The big problem is the moral issue of perception. When one says “Palestinian State,” this means only one thing worldwide – a state within the 1967 borders and Jerusalem’s division. When one expresses willingness to freeze construction, it is clear to the whole world that one admits that construction in Judea and Samaria is illegal, as Rowland says; it’s perceived as though the ongoing construction of the security fence and homes in the settlements robs Palestinian land and violates international law.
Hence, if the PM is interested in sticking to his views and minimizing the damage caused by Peace Now’s representatives in the American Administration, he cannot make do with what he said in the Bar-Ilan speech. He also needs to add the following statement: Settlement activity in regions of our homeland constitutes the realization of the Jewish people’s historic right in its land.” He must make it clear that construction permits are granted by law, not as a favor.
Netanyahu’s job is to make clear that Israel is not the occupier in Judea and Samaria and does not violate international law, which ever since the Balfour declaration and the League of Nations’ decision in 1922 to establish a Jewish home in the land of Israel recognizes the Jewish people’s right for sovereignty in its country; a right that was never repudiated and never will be.
Just as in his previous term in office Netanyahu withstood the pressure and established the Har Homa neighborhood in Jerusalem, he must announce today the beginning of construction of the Mevaseret Adumim neighborhood in the E1 area near the capital.
Jacky Rowland, Tzipi Livni, and Rahm Emanuel will not be happy; however, the overwhelming majority of Israel’s’ citizens will be proud of their PM.