Friday, February 09, 2007

Jerusalem rioting

Dear Sir:
The current Muslim rioting in Jerusalem is another example of political incitement by the Palestinian authorities. First, the work that is being done is not on the Temple Mount, but below it, and is not where the Muslim Trust (Wakf) has authority. Second, there is no choice but to do this work since the old earthern bridge to the Temple Mount via the Mughrabi Gate has collapsed. When a temporary wooden bridge was constructed last year there were no complaints and no rioting! Everyone knew that this construction was planned, the design by the Antiquities Authority was shown in advance to the Wakf and was published in the newspapers last month. There is no chance whatsover that this work can undermine, nor would it be intended to undemine, any Mosque! So why the fuss?
The rioting results because the two political forces Hamas and Fatah want to distract their members from the internecine conflict between them that was in danger of becoming a civil war. In order to avoid this they met in Mecca and Pres. Abbas of Fatah compromised more than Hamas. The new Unity Government will adopt Hamas positions, and the Quartet's three conditions for recognition of the Government, the recognition of Israel's right to exist, the stopping of terrorism, and the acceptance of previous PA-Israel agreements, will not be met.
So from a rational point of view there is no basis for this rioting, but from a political and nationalist point of view there is every reason why the Palestinian authorities would seek to instigate violence against Israel at this time.
Sincerely
Jack Cohen
Netanya, Israel

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