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| Jerusalem First |
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The most difficult issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is without doubt that of Jerusalem.
So therefore in all the negotiations that have taken place between the parties over the years, the issue of Jerusalem has been left to the end. The “end” has never been reached and it has never been properly addressed.
While the very thought of “dividing Jerusalem” into Israeli and Palestinian sectors is anathema to some of the people of Israel, it is clear that there will have to be some sort of division. No final settlement is achievable without hammering out an agreement on the Holy City.
The Council for Peace and Security, aware of the urgency of the issue, has decided to embark upon a campaign urging “Jerusalem First”.
In the near future the Council will be holding a meeting in which papers on various aspects of the matter will be presented, followed by a general discussion. In the wake of this meeting there be deliberations by the Management and expert groups. Finally an appeal will be made to the government, decision makers and the public via meetings, letters and notices in the media.
Read about the proposal |
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| Ministry of Defence adopts the Council's Proposal for the Path of the Security Fence near Zofim |
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After lengthy proceedings, the Ministry of Defence has adopted the Council's proposal for the path of the Security Fence near Zofim. It is based on security considerations only and returns 2500 dunams (400 acres) of land to the villages.
Read about the proposal |
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Statement to the Press |
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In spite of the fact that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is under criminal investigation, the Council for Peace and Security calls upon the Government of Israel to press on with peace negotiations with Syria and the Palestinians.
The Council sees the recent Paris meeting important and an initiative that should be pursued. The investigation should not be made an excuse for equivocation.
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Seminar on the Security Fence
The Council recently held a Seminar on aspects of the Security Fence. It was reported in this column. More details of all the lectures are now avaialble.
Read the detailed abstracts |
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Talking to Neighbours
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 In this personal account, Nachik Navoth, former Deputy Head of the Mossad, states the view that Iran is as much afraid of Israel as Israel is afraid of Iran. Most of the Arab States in the Middle East are equally afraid of Iran. Israel, recognizing the common interest, should begin to talk to them...
Read the full article |
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Fence Relocation is Acknowledgment that Route is politically motivated
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 It had been planned to "annex" 8000 dunams (2000 acres) in order to include a small settlement near Ma'aleh Adumin wthin the security fence. The Prime Minister and Defence Minister have now decided to "return" about 4000 dunams
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Read the full article |
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Where will the Palestinian State be established?
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 It is generally considered that Israel's policy of building of settlements in the West Bank constitutes the main obstacle to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
An agreement will not be reached this year, but freezing settlement activity would at least keep alive the prospect of a two-state solution...
Read the full article |
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Hamas tightens its Hold on the Gaza Strip
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 The recent violent confrontation between Hamas and Fatah in the Gaza trip has brought about a significant strengthening of Hamas
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Read the full article |
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The Dangers of Drift
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 The Guardian, in an editorial,presents a fairly well-balanced review of Israel's political scene. It warns that Israel, the West Bank and Gaza cannot be allowed to drift rudderless for the next few months
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Hamas Spokesman voices rare Optimism regarding Gaza Truce
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 In a surprisingly balanced assessment Salah al-Bardawi, a senior member of Hamas, sees the cease-fire as an opportunity. "It's too early to talk about negotiations (between Israel and Hamas), but the cease-fire is a kind of (mutual) recognition."...
Read the full article |
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Waste not, Wall not
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 Buiding the Security Fence between Israel and the West Bank has been one of the most wasteful infrastructure projects the State has ever known...
Read the full article |
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