Plans to annex parts or all of the West Bank are currently circulating within the ruling Knesset coalition, which would be detrimental to future negotiations and an eventual two-state arrangement. Instead, a set of policy proposals - security, economic, and political - is needed that will enhance the security and well-being of Israelis living on both sides of the ‘Green Line,’ while reducing friction between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank.
Security Measures
COMPLETE THE SECURITY BARRIER
Complete the security barrier along the Jerusalem envelope in order to prevent illegal workers and smugglers infiltrating Israel from the West Bank.
LAW AND ORDER
SECURE ISRAEL'S BORDER
Track and halt Palestinians working illegally inside Israel, and expand legal Palestinian employment in Israel by issuing tens of thousands of additional work permits to West Bank Palestinians.
Economic Measures
AREA C TO B
Transfer 1% of Area C to Area B, enabling 200,000 Palestinians greater autonomy and legalizing 11,000 homes under demolition orders.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Remove impediments to economic development by connecting Israeli and Palestinian financial institutions and banks, resuming the operation of the Joint Economic Committee, and developing Palestinian industrial and employment zones adjacent to the security barrier.
EASE RESTRICTIONS
Ease restrictions on the transport of goods within the West Bank, between the West Bank and Gaza, and on exports to Israel and beyond.
Political Measures
ASSIST SETTLERS
Assist settlers living east of the security barrier who wish to relocate.
MAKE A POLITICAL DECLARATION
An Insider's Perspective - Major Gen. (ret.) Amnon Reshef:(click for link)
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Amnon Reshef is the founder of Commanders for Israel’s Security (CIS), a network of over 260+ retired generals who have mobilized in support of an Israeli initiative to improve security and preserve the opportunity of a future two-state solution. General Reshef is a legendary hero of the Yom Kippur War, having commanded the Israeli troops on the frontline of the Sinai Peninsula when Egypt launched its surprise attack. The following are excerpts from his January 2017 open letter entitled "Prime Minister, Don’t Annex Ma’ale Adumim" to PM Netanyahu.
The combination of military, civilian and political steps this initiative entails, steps that do not require a partner for their implementation, would enhance Israel’s security and promote stability in Judea and Samaria; set in motion a process of separation from the Palestinians; and improve our regional and international standing – all without requiring any change in the present deployment of the IDF.
The unilateral annexation of Ma’ale Adumim threatens to set in motion local, regional and international developments that could imperil vital Israeli interests including our above-mentioned common aspiration that the settlement blocs become part of Israel in any future agreement.
Annexing Ma’ale Adumim risks the following:
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The reaction of the Palestinian ‘street’ in Judea, Samaria (the West Bank) and East Jerusalem, and the possibility of an outbreak of violence.
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The reaction of the Palestinian security agencies and the risk that they might terminate security coordination with the IDF.
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A possible loss of control on the part of the Palestinian Authority and the consequent need for Israel to manage the affairs of 2.5 million Palestinians in areas A and B; the associated cost of such an eventuality; and the implications for IDF priorities and additional force deployment.
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Popular reactions in the Arab world and their influence on Arab governments. The related possibility that Egypt and Jordan might be forced to sever diplomatic relations with Israel.
Maps
