Another Take on The Suspension

Prime Minister Netanyahu told Security Cabinet members on November 25 that:

"In the international circumstances that have been created, this step will promote Israel's broad national interests. This is neither simple nor easy but it has many more advantages than disadvantages. It allows us to place a simple fact before the world: The Government of Israel wants to enter into negotiations with the Palestinians, is taking practical steps in order to do so and is very serious in its intentions to promote peace."

Now, let's deconstruct that.

1. In the international circumstances that have been created = we need to bomb Iran as the main national security agenda item and all needs to be secondary, at least for 10 months

2. this step will promote Israel's broad national interests = see above

3. This is neither simple nor easy = I really haven't the faintest idea where this is going but heck, see #1 above.

4. but it has many more advantages than disadvantages = Bibi really can't prove that and see below where I delve into the ramifications of the suspension.

5. It allows us to place a simple fact before the world = wait, didn't he just say this isn't simple? Is he being too simplistic now?

Okay, I now return to point # 4.

It is obvious that our Prime Minister presumes that in the pressure-cooker he is in with Obama, the only chance Israel has of gaining support for a military operation against Iran is capitulating on the issue of what's termed a "settlements freeze" or, as Netanyahu puts it, a suspension or moratorium. Benny Begin assumes that after the 10-month period, all will revert to normal: normal growth, normal development.

Mr. Netanyahu does too actually:

..."This order is one-time only and it limits the duration of the suspension. There are nine months and three weeks left. Once the suspension has expired, we will continue to build. I want to make it clear: The future of settlement will be determined only in a permanent peace agreement."

But, for him there is:

...the complicated diplomatic situation in which we presently find ourselves, and given the various challenges facing us. We made this tough decision in order to advance Israel's broader interests...

Iran. Complicated.

Agreed.

But, Netanyahu really needs to be reminded that there is also the security element for Israel's future and the lives of its citizens in the retention of Judea and Samaria. If the hills of J&S are surrendered, if Netanyahu yields on that concern, as is the intention of the Arabs on the issue of Jewish communities, and even if Iran is dealt with, there still is the existential threat facing Israel not from Teheran but from Tul Karem and Kalkilya and Bethlehem.


I repeat: Iran as a security threat is serious. True.

But without Judea and Samaria, the security threat to Israel is just as great.

Bibi should not be allowed to try to get us to forget that.

So, when he said:

...The future of settlement will be determined only in a permanent peace agreement."

That future could be dangerous and threatening is Judea and Samaria is yielded up and Israel surrenders.

See: Gaza disengagement.