Israeli concessions
Controversy has erupted in the wake of the meeting between PM Olmert and Pres. Abbas last Sat. evening. Four areas of dispute are being discussed in political circles, namely (i) the payment of m$100 that Olmert agreed to pay from the taxes Israel has collected to the PA authority, but only to Pres. Abbas not the Hamas Government; (ii) the release of Palestinian prisoners even before the release of Cpl. Shalit, who was kidnapped last June and is being held by Hamas supporters; (iii) the continuation of Israeli "restraint" in not responding to breakages of the "ceasefire" in Gaza, even though 60 rockets have been fired into Israel since the "ceasefire" came into effect and yesterday one hit a security facility in Ashkelon; (iv) the drastic reduction in checkpoints in the West Bank to allow freer movement by Palestinians.
In all areas it seems the Kadima Government has no self-respect. They agreed to a ceasefire that the other side has not kept at all, rockets are fired practically daily. Yet, Israel withdrew all IDF from Gaza and has made no response, even though they have sometimes had the launchers in their sights! It is argued by Olmert and his supporters that since the firing is by Islamic Jihad and other groups that do not support the ceasefire one cannot punish Pres. Abbas by counter-attacking. In other words Israel must support Abbas and not undermine him, but at what cost? Abbas and Olmert reportedly discussed extending the ceasefire to the West Bank, which is against IDF security advice. But, shall we accept a onesided ceasefire that is worthless, shall we totally undermine the concept of keeping agreements and stop considering the political leadership on the other side responsible for all attacks from their territory? This is ludicrous policy when dealing with terrorists and risks the lives of Israeli citizens.
Regarding the funds, it's clear that Olmert wanted to make a gesture of good faith to Abbas, so money was an easy thing to promise, but this money has strings, no using it for arms or helping Hamas. But, it will be used to pay the salaries of Government workers, including security people who are operating against Israel. Also, it is earmarked for educational purposes, but still in the PA education system, operating under Abbas, the pupils are being taught hatred of Israel and blatant anti-Semitism. Why should Israel underwrite this?
The release of prisoners before the release of Cpl. Shalit is a direct contradiction of many statements of Olmert and his Cabinet, most of whom now apparently support the idea of a release of Palestinian prisoners as a good-will gesture to Abbas. However, this would be seen as a sign of weakness by the PA Hamas Government, and they no doubt would conclude that kidnapping soldiers is worthwhile, so they would be likely to do it again. In any case it is clear that Abbas has no control in dealing with the kidnappers of Cpl. Shalit and no power to alter the chaotic situation in Gaza. One must conclude that all these steps are calculated to please European Foreign Ministers and no one else.
Regarding the removal of ca. 27 checkpoints in the West Bank that was today approved by Olmert, the security establishment warns that this would once again open up Israel to infiltration by terrorists. They claim that all checkpoints are there for security purposes and not to "humiliate" Palestianians, who have an easy way to stop this treatment, simply by stopping the terrorism, that we know they can do if they want to.
This Kadima Government has reversed almost every red line that it established since its inception, no end of the war in Lebanon until the two captured IDF soldiers are released by Hizbollah (!), no release of Palestinian prisoners until after Cpl. Shalit is released, no release of funds to the PA that can be used for purposes against Israel and ignoring the PA's breaking of the ceasefire. How can any responsible leader justify this catalog of reversals, they should change the name of Olmert's party from Kadima (forward) to Ahora (backward)!
In all areas it seems the Kadima Government has no self-respect. They agreed to a ceasefire that the other side has not kept at all, rockets are fired practically daily. Yet, Israel withdrew all IDF from Gaza and has made no response, even though they have sometimes had the launchers in their sights! It is argued by Olmert and his supporters that since the firing is by Islamic Jihad and other groups that do not support the ceasefire one cannot punish Pres. Abbas by counter-attacking. In other words Israel must support Abbas and not undermine him, but at what cost? Abbas and Olmert reportedly discussed extending the ceasefire to the West Bank, which is against IDF security advice. But, shall we accept a onesided ceasefire that is worthless, shall we totally undermine the concept of keeping agreements and stop considering the political leadership on the other side responsible for all attacks from their territory? This is ludicrous policy when dealing with terrorists and risks the lives of Israeli citizens.
Regarding the funds, it's clear that Olmert wanted to make a gesture of good faith to Abbas, so money was an easy thing to promise, but this money has strings, no using it for arms or helping Hamas. But, it will be used to pay the salaries of Government workers, including security people who are operating against Israel. Also, it is earmarked for educational purposes, but still in the PA education system, operating under Abbas, the pupils are being taught hatred of Israel and blatant anti-Semitism. Why should Israel underwrite this?
The release of prisoners before the release of Cpl. Shalit is a direct contradiction of many statements of Olmert and his Cabinet, most of whom now apparently support the idea of a release of Palestinian prisoners as a good-will gesture to Abbas. However, this would be seen as a sign of weakness by the PA Hamas Government, and they no doubt would conclude that kidnapping soldiers is worthwhile, so they would be likely to do it again. In any case it is clear that Abbas has no control in dealing with the kidnappers of Cpl. Shalit and no power to alter the chaotic situation in Gaza. One must conclude that all these steps are calculated to please European Foreign Ministers and no one else.
Regarding the removal of ca. 27 checkpoints in the West Bank that was today approved by Olmert, the security establishment warns that this would once again open up Israel to infiltration by terrorists. They claim that all checkpoints are there for security purposes and not to "humiliate" Palestianians, who have an easy way to stop this treatment, simply by stopping the terrorism, that we know they can do if they want to.
This Kadima Government has reversed almost every red line that it established since its inception, no end of the war in Lebanon until the two captured IDF soldiers are released by Hizbollah (!), no release of Palestinian prisoners until after Cpl. Shalit is released, no release of funds to the PA that can be used for purposes against Israel and ignoring the PA's breaking of the ceasefire. How can any responsible leader justify this catalog of reversals, they should change the name of Olmert's party from Kadima (forward) to Ahora (backward)!
posted by Jack Cohen at 4:08 PM
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