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Last update - 12:45 07/10/2008 A foreign army at the gate By Avi Primor Tags: israel news Tzipi Livni and Ehud Olmert have no fundamental disagreements on policies of war, security or peace - issues that might influence the economy, education or social affairs. Furthermore (election rhetoric aside), Livni doesn't differ significantly on these issues with the Ehud Barak of Shepherdstown and Camp David, or with the Benjamin Netanyahu who went to Wye Plantation and sent Ronald Lauder to Damascus. The idea of the Greater Land of Israel lives on only in the political faction to the right of Likud. The leaders of the national majority, like their voters, have also accepted the idea of parting from Shuafat, Abu Dis and the Golan Heights. The stumbling block that prevents Israel's departure from the territories is not the demarcation of the final border between us and our neighbors. The only obstacle seen as impassable today on the way to an agreement is the security issue after the territories are vacated. As long as this dilemma has no answer that is convincing to most Israelis, no government, weak or strong, will be able to implement an agreement with our neighbors, even if it dares to sign one. Advertisement The settlers and other adversaries of compromise and concessions, who were unable to prevent the pullouts from Sinai and the Gaza Strip, will not stand in the way of additional withdrawals either. This, if, as in the case of the evacuation of the Sinai in the early 80s and of Gaza in 2005, public opinion will stand behind the government. In its agreements with Egypt and Jordan, Israel found the answer to the post-withdrawal security issue in the image of Anwar Sadat and King Hussein. We believed not only in their sincerity, but mainly in their ability to keep their promises. Perhaps this situation will recur vis-a-vis Syria. But who on the Palestinian side, even assuming their intentions are good, has the means to ensure, or enforce, security? Unlike the cases of Egypt, Jordan and possibly Syria, the solution with the Palestinians cannot depend on them and Israel alone. Neither of us are capable of pulling it off. The solution could be an international force that would take the place of the Israel Defense Forces in the territories as an integral and binding part of a peace agreement. It need not be a large army, or one similar to the foreign armies we've seen in the region since the state's establishment. Those, including the force in southern Lebanon after the Second Lebanon War, were never more than observers. This would be a combat-ready army, whose mission would be to enforce security. This is not difficult. The West Bank is tiny, not a Vietnam, Afghanistan or Iraq, and is neither marshland nor forest. There is little doubt that most Palestinian people, as well as the government in Ramallah, would accept such an army willingly, if not enthusiastically. The Gaza Strip is a different story, and some arm-twisting would be required, not on the people but certainly on Hamas. Such a force cannot be established without Israel's agreement. Israel would of course demand as part of that agreement, and would undoubtedly receive, close cooperation with the international force, first and foremost in matters of intelligence and counterterrorism. The foreign force should be here temporarily, its task will include helping to set up an effective Palestinian administration and Palestinian security forces who would eventually serve as a reliable counterterrorist force. All this will ultimately allow for the departure of the foreign army from the West Bank without Israel's security being endangered. The question is, who will take on this mission? The Americans are the most suitable party. A fraction of their army posted in Iraq could handle the task. But it's hard to believe that the president of the United States, whoever he will be, would agree to this, due to domestic policy considerations. Perhaps, however, he would agree to help others. The problem is not where to find soldiers for the job. Many would volunteer for it. For example, several East European countries may step up, because of both domestic and prestige considerations. Perhaps Turkey, which is interested in keeping its backyard quiet, could also be taken into consideration.The more important questions are who would define the force's mission, stand behind it politically, and perhaps even finance it. At this moment the European Union appears to be the only option. The EU, under French and German leadership, could be persuaded to accept the responsibility, but with a few conditions. One, that most of the soldiers are not from its own ranks, especially not from the German army. Also, the initiative must be carried out with American coordination and perhaps even cooperation, and subsequently with NATO's seal of approval, too. It must also be supported by the Arab League, led by Saudi Arabia, and receive Egypt and Jordan's active cooperation. Above all, not only must the initiative be supported by the Palestinian government and even more so by Israel, these two must broach it with the Europeans. All four conditions depend to a large extent on Israel. Granted, such an initiative would be revolutionary for Israel. But it's time the government freed itself from the rigid mindset that a solution can be concocted by us and our neighbors alone, with no foreign participation. The reality is that this attitude has long been obsolete. The writer is director of the Trilateral Center for European Studies at the Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya, and former Israeli ambassador to the European Union and to Germany. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Hair apparent Ultra-Orthodox shop unveils 'Sarah Palin Wig' based on Alaska governor's famous 'do. Protocols of Wall Street 'Report': Jewish execs sent $400 billion to Israel before Lehman Brothers' demise.   1.   Idiots Never Learn From History 09:36  |  Yishai Kohen 07/10/08   2.   TWO CHOICE FOR ISRAEL: WITHDRAW OR DIE 09:54  |  indrajaya 07/10/08   3.   Avi Primor, an incredibly smart Israeli, a man full of integrity 09:56  |  Swiss (Dino) 07/10/08   4.   Unless the "peace keepers" can kill 10:02  |  spyguy 07/10/08   5.   Where Do I Sign? 10:30  |  ERSB 07/10/08   6.   What a shame it`s not Israeli fat cats that are kidnapped with co 10:31  |  Absolute Sweden 07/10/08   7.   Swiss (Dino) 10:39  |  sh 07/10/08   8.   #3 dopey dino wants to remove the swiss police too 10:56  |  v.hardman 07/10/08   9.   #1 Yishai "OUR GAZA" is illusional. 11:19  |  AVI 07/10/08   10.   OUR land, OUR army, OUR people, Mr. Kohen 11:22  |  Murray 07/10/08   11.   spuy guy there is a solution 11:36  |  nn 07/10/08   12.   #11 another buffoon pipes up in total ignorance 12:01  |  victor hardman 07/10/08   13.   #$ spyguy the solution was set down in 1922 it was called transjo 12:04  |  victor hardman 07/10/08   14.   NN - The settlers will not leave the WB 12:07  |  spyguy 07/10/08   15.   Perhaps with Swiss Dino as Prime Minister? 12:16  |  Israeli citizen 07/10/08   16.   # 7 sh 12:22  |  Swiss (Dino) 07/10/08   17.   the solution for the settlers is very simple 12:23  |  SD 07/10/08   18.   AVI 12:37  |  Joe 07/10/08   19.   ERSB, another naive fooled by Arab... 12:38  |  Eugene 07/10/08   20.   AVI 12:40  |  Joe 07/10/08   21.   ERSB, I have even more attractive... 12:41  |  Eugene 07/10/08   22.   ERSB 12:44  |  Eugene 07/10/08   23.   The answer could be the Jordanian option 12:45  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 07/10/08   24.   Time for Avi Primor to shut up 13:38  |  Jonathan S 07/10/08   25.   Annex Now 13:54  |  Gideon Reader 07/10/08   26.   Not sure I understand 13:56  |  Dave Duncan 07/10/08   27.   Settler Murray in Milano,why don`t you crave for Foreign Troops 13:56  |  Absolute Sweden 07/10/08   28.   Hannibal Is At The Gates! 14:06  |  Jeff Northridge 07/10/08   29.   Occupation and concentration camps are a form of terrorism. Peace 14:08  |  Sam 07/10/08   30.   indrajaya wants another naqba 14:14  |  Arik 07/10/08   31.   @Swiss Dino 14:16  |  Ralph 07/10/08   32.   Eugene - Lectures from Deutschland 14:18  |  ERSB 07/10/08   33.   Response #24, Jonathan from Frankfurt. 14:41  |  sandra chitayat 07/10/08   34.   The only obstacle seen as impassable today 14:41  |  John 07/10/08   35.   Sam 14:48  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 07/10/08   36.   #9 Avi. Please define soverign! 14:51  |  John Allen 07/10/08   37.   ERB,you`re babbling and insulting Eugene who`s right 15:25  |  Absolute Sweden 07/10/08   38.   Is the writer not aware.......? 16:07  |  David James Vickery 07/10/08   39.   I AGREE COMPLETELY 16:35  |  SECULAR ISRAELI 07/10/08   40.   # 24 jonathan s 16:50  |  Axel 07/10/08   41.   Well said Avi Primor! 17:13  |  Ike 07/10/08   42.   #2, indrajaya... 17:19  |  Silvienne 07/10/08   43.   Time the writer joined the PLO 17:25  |  Harvey 07/10/08   44.   #2 what do you think about the sharp losses on stock markets 18:10  |  glenna 07/10/08   45.   Avi, if you want to commit suicide, don`t try to drag us down too 18:13  |  Chaim 07/10/08   46.   avi primor a small geography lesson 18:28  |  judah 07/10/08   47.   Israeli occupation-Palestinian state 18:29  |  khairi janbek 07/10/08   48.   Mister Primor, is your proposal realistic? 18:53  |  Daniel (Switzerland) 07/10/08   49.   Mister Primor, is your proposal realistic? (2) 18:55  |  Daniel (Switzerland) 07/10/08   50.   The "Facts On The Ground" Have Put A Millstone On Israel`s Neck 19:45  |  chet 07/10/08   51.   International force 19:55  |  Anthony 07/10/08   52.   There will be no international force on Israeli soil 20:22  |  chaim 07/10/08   53.   Greater Israel On the Horizon 20:34  |  Gary 07/10/08   54.   #32, another piece of Arab lies 20:41  |  Eugene 07/10/08   55.   editor i asked avi primor who is financing 20:48  |  judah 07/10/08   56.   International Force has been requested for years.. 20:48  |  Ibrahim 07/10/08   57.   Spyguy on VALUE of the ISRAELI SHEKEL 21:26  |  Ari ben Yisrael 07/10/08   58.   interesting by Primor, & a few points for Dino - 21:27  |  ivo 07/10/08   59.   spyguy "all out war with the Arabs which ISRAEL will lose 21:30  |  Ari ben Yisrael 07/10/08   60.   Israeli nonsense; Outsource the stigma of occupation 1/2 22:59  |  American in NY 07/10/08   61.   Israeli nonsense: It is a stupid plan, but a brillient plan 2/2 23:07  |  American in NY 07/10/08   62.   joe 23:14  |  John 07/10/08   63.   YOU DON`T HAND OUT TERRITORY TO THE ENEMY IN MIDDLE OF A WAR 23:24  |  Jack 07/10/08   64.   Pals won`t give up Apartheid card, so they`ll block WB departure 23:32  |  Robert 07/10/08   65.   Interesting Article - the issue is 00:01  |  David Israel 08/10/08   66.   15 000 new squatters in the West Bank illegal settlements. 00:06  |  Maureen Ann 08/10/08   67.   So what do we do with the "Palestinians" within the 67 line? 00:48  |  Alex 08/10/08   68.   Full Bantustan 01:06  |  Fritz T. 08/10/08   69.   Infidels Never Find Peace With Jihads Next Door 01:38  |  UsedToPostHere 08/10/08   70.   You`ve got to be kidding me 01:57  |  Daniel 08/10/08   71.   The true story ! 02:19  |  Akram Zekaria 08/10/08   72.   # 58 ivo, I have sent you a response..... 03:09  |  Swiss (Dino) 08/10/08   73.   Primor was Queen Beatrix` husband best friend 03:25  |  Tulip 08/10/08   74.   David Israel, teh real issue is sanity; yours and Primo`s 03:32  |  American in NY 08/10/08   75.   Margie in Tel-Aviv 03:37  |  Justice 08/10/08   76.   AM in Ny - and what is your point by repeating my post 03:48  |  David Israel 08/10/08   77.   #59 Ari ben Yisrael it is NOT 1967 05:32  |  spyguy 08/10/08   78.   Jack, that is simply bunk... 06:24  |  BBSNews 08/10/08   79.   Daniel is such a manly man... 06:35  |  BBSNews 08/10/08   80.   spyguy`s point needs to be reiterated... 06:45  |  BBSNews 08/10/08   81.   Your so-called "peace" process is DEAD, get it?!! 06:55  |  Yaakov K. 08/10/08   82.   Justice 08:19  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 08/10/08   83.   Far to much water has flowed under the bridge 08:57  |  Stephen. 08/10/08   84.   There is No More West To Go 09:17  |  Baruch Gold 08/10/08   85.   Daniel #70: military Engagement nullifies Disengagement 10:55  |  Robert 08/10/08   86.   Primor should go live in Sderot - Where all Leftists belong 15:03  |  Jo 08/10/08   87.   This piece is BS. Everyone knows that LandforPeace is finished 15:04  |  Common Sense Guy 08/10/08   88.   Daniel #70: military Engagement nullifies Disengagement 15:32  |  Robert 08/10/08   89.   avi primor`s opinion 17:35  |  reuven nof 08/10/08   90.   This guy simply wants to change the deckchairs 14:16  |  Johnboy 10/10/08   91.   We were fine in the Six Day War 03:16  |  Joel Goldberg 13/10/08   92.   #90 The foreign force will create a `Japan` 03:21  |  Zebulon 13/10/08

Read & React Sources: Hamas has raised price of Shalit deal in wake of Kuntar release Responses: 41 Driver who sparked Acre riots: I'd sacrifice myself to bring back coexistence Responses: 104 Don't believe your banker when he says he's sleeping well Responses: 1 Akiva Eldar: Improved living standards won't turn Israel's Arabs into lovers of Jews Responses: 8 More Headlines 15:29 Peres in Acre: We have many religions, but one set of laws 13:00 Sources: Hamas has raised price of Shalit deal in wake of Kuntar release 14:11 Netanyahu to Shas: Don't join Livni, she'll give up Jerusalem 06:30 ANALYSIS / A political partnership based on mutual lack of trust 06:38 Hebrew University makes The Times' list of 100 top schools 15:23 Israel seals off West Bank ahead of Sukkot holiday 01:09 N.Y. synagogues feel holiday pinch as financial crisis wears on congregants 13:33 Angry and confused, Acre residents wonder how everyday life will go on 12:49 Labor Party, Kadima close to signing coalition agreement 04:58 VIDEO / TASE defies grim forecasts, ends day with moderate losses 11:53 Conspiracy theory faults Jews for Lehman Brothers' collapse 06:34 Israel to allow 700 additional armed PA troops into Hebron 04:37 U.S. tycoon gives David Grossman Torah scroll in son's memory 05:47 Lebanon bans political posters in bid to defuse sectarian tension 09:45 Driver who sparked Acre riots: I'd sacrifice myself to bring back coexistence Previous Editions Select Day 12 oct 10 oct 09 oct 08 oct 07 oct 06 oct 05 oct 03 oct 02 oct 01 oct 30 sep 29 sep

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