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"We are in the midst of
a diplomatic process whose goal is to strengthen Israel and its
security. In any future settlement, Jerusalem will remain united
as Israel's eternal capital. They [the Palestinians] will be in
Abu-Dis and we will be in united Jerusalem. We are committed to
moving forward toward a peace agreement that will be 1,000 times better
than any alternative. The nature of the reality which will be
created here if we do not find the wisdom to reach agreements is clear
to all of us. We are charged with an historic and national
responsibility to effect a separation in the Land of Israel, they will
be there and we will be here.
What we are submitting today is not the transfer of additional territory
to the Palestinian authority but merely a change in the status of 0.25%
of Area B - which is under Palestinian civil control - to Area A.
This decision is diplomatic but it is also correct from a security
point-of-view. It is clear that taking the direct route to the
third redeployment will increase the chance of impasse and
deterioration. We propose going towards a framework agreement.
We have no interest in annexing 30,000 Palestinians to Jerusalem or
Israeli sovereignty. Experience has shown us that every transfer of this
kind has served our security well. In 1992, there were 2,400
attacks in Judea and Samaria; in 1999, there were only 140.
The entire move strengthens the diplomatic process, strengthens our
position in Jerusalem and strengthens our security. Even around
this table, there have been periods in which various governments did not
see the reality, stuck its head in the sand and were later obliged to
cope with a more bitter reality. Our historic responsibility is to
make decisions, based on a sober view of reality and while guarding our
vital interests - strengthening our security, effecting a separation
with the Palestinians and preserving the unity of Jerusalem."
Foto Galerie: Po vesham beErez Israel
haGalil onLine
15-05-2000
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