Necessary Security Measures in Judea and Samaria - The Council's Position
28/04/2008
LETTER FROM THE COUNCIL FOR PEACE AND SECURITY TO:
The Prime Minister, Mr. Ehud Olmert
The Minister of Defense, Mr. Ehud Barak
The Foreign Minister, Ms. Tzipy Livni
Necessary Security Measures in Judea and Samaria - The Council's Position
The Council is of the opinion that in order to give a chance for productive dialogue with the Palestinian Authority it is necessary to change the security regime at present imposed upon Judea and Samaria.
.The Council has reviewed the situation in Judea and Samaria and has come to the disturbing conclusion that short term security considerations are being put before policies offering a chance for a better future.
The Council believes that this distressing state of affairs, in which the future is being endangered, can be corrected by correct and clear directives issued by the highest level of decision makers.
The Council wishes, hereby, to put forward an alternative plan for security that will provide a fitting level of security for the settlers, increase the general level of security while holding possibilities for a settlement with the Palestinian Authority.
General Features of the Present Situation
The political process is not progressing at a desirable pace, if it is progressing at all.
The Palestinian Authority, led by the PLO, is weakening. Hamas and the path of terror are seen as the only realistic alternative. The danger of losing control to Hamas on the West Bank seems to become more realistic every day.
The Palestinian people are losing their remaining shreds of hope, their belief in their leaders, and the idea of two states for two nations is fading.
The Government’s Declared Policy and Realities on the Ground
The Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense and the Foreign Minister recently declared that Israel has a clear interest in changing Palestinian living conditions in the West Bank, improving the Palestinian economy, and enabling the Palestinian Government to fulfill its function as a governing authority.
Barriers and blocks on internal roads in Judea and Samaria are one element of the means taken for day to day security. However, these barriers have serious negative effects. They humiliate the Palestinians and motivate a desire for revenge, interfere with the ability to rebuild the Palestinian economy and are a cause of loss of hope. They also adversely affect Israel’s international image and cast doubt upon the professionalism, social skills and morale of Israeli troops. When all elements of the equation are considered, the barriers have a negative and even dangerous effect upon Israel’s security.
At present, the principal elements of security are the security fence, fences enclosing settlements and roads, superior intelligence and excellent operational capabilities. These elements have improved greatly in recent years and can suffice even without the barriers. For the sake of Israel’s security, further improvement of them must be pursued.
The Council’s Proposal
The following proposal consists of phased tactical measures that will bring about strategic improvements. If necessary, for example in cases of increased terrorist activity, such phased measures can be rolled back for limited periods, as a punitive measure. This is a punitive measure that does not exist at present. The potential positive outcome of this proposal can result in Palestinian economic development, increased capabilities for the Palestinian government and it can change for the better attitudes of the population.
Tools to be used at the Operational Level
- Gradual removal of barriers and blocks throughout the West Bank, accompanied by a divisional plan of mobile barriers, initiated and managed from brigade war rooms, using existing command and control systems.
- Permanent barriers that cannot be removed will be in a “generally open” mode and activated upon receipt of intelligence alerts and situation reviews.
- Increased patrol activity around settlements.
- Reinstatement of security and intelligence coordination with Palestinian security forces.
- Palestinian sovereignty on the ground will be respected as far as possible.
- Roads and paths on the West Bank will be returned to common use by Palestinians and Israelis.
- The completion of the security fence will be accelerated.
- All people and vehicles entering Israel through gates in the security fence will undergo security checks.
Summary
Current political and security realities notwithstanding, Israel must have the courage to take bold steps in the interest of the future. In the Council’s view, the security risks of the above steps are minimal, having regard for Israel’s other operational capabilities.
Israel is the strongest party in the dispute and should therefore take the first step, without demanding the prior condition of “Palestinian war on terror”. Waiting for a “more suitable” reality will put Israel in a far more difficult position, in which the “two states for two nations” solution will no longer be feasible..
Leadership is needed! Our leaders must stand up, face our people and even though it involves some risk, show the way with determination,.
The Council for Peace and Security calls upon the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense and the Foreign Minister to demonstrate leadership and show a sense of national responsibility, instruct the security forces to change the reality on the ground. They must monitor the implementation of these instructions with resolve.
For the Management of the Council for Peace and Security:
Maj Gen (Ret.) Danny Rothschild.) Police Maj Gen (Ret.) Shaul G
President Executive Director
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