Israel must annex West Bank settlements, right-wing MKs tell Netanyahu
In letter to premier, leaders of several Knesset factions say Israel must retaliate against the Palestinians' 'unilateral' statehood bid at the UN, or risk losing its deterrence.
By Jonathan Lis Tags: Palestinian state Middle East peace Benjamin Netanyahu West BankIsrael should legally annex West Bank settlements in response to the Palestinians' recent bid for recognition in the United Nations, the leaders of several right-wing Knesset factions said in a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday.
The letter was signed by Likud chairman Ze'ev Elkin, Shas chairman Avraham Michaeli, Habayit Hayehudi chairman Uri Orbach, and the leader of the National Union faction Yaakov Katz.
 |
A building site in the settlement of Ariel last year. 277 new homes were approved in the town. |
| Photo by: Moti Milrod |
In the missive, the right-wing MKs urged the prime minister to sanction the Palestinian Authority for what they called a "unilateral" move in the UN, saying that Israel had to make it clear that it would not agree serve as the Palestinians' "punching bag."
Among the steps mentioned in the letter to Netanyahu, the right-wing leaders mentioned the gradual annexation of all West Bank settlements; cutting Palestinian aid money; accelerated settlement building; cancellation of PA officials' VIP ID cards; and prohibiting any Palestinian construction in areas controlled by Israeli security forces.
Citing the reasons behind such steps, the missive indicated that a Palestinian avoidance of unilateral moves was the only return Israel received for all of its concessions as part of the Oslo Peace Accords.
"The PA's UN bid on unilateral recognition is a blunt breach of those agreements, which have, in the last 18 years, taken their severe toll on us," the letter said, condemning states involved in those accords that are now deliberating whether or n or to support their undoing.
"We call upon you to make it clear to those nations that their conduct during this crisis rules them out was mediator in future negotiations," the letter said, warning of the "serious damage that could befall Israel if it chooses to avoid reponse."
In such an event, the letter indicated, Israel would "completely lose its deterrence, thus stimulating the Palestinians to continue their actions against it in the international arena."
"In fact, the international damage that Israel could suffer in the wake of the UN vote is significantly smaller than that it would suffer if it doesn't follow up on the principle you set a decade ago – 'If they give, they'll get; if they don't give, they get nothing.'"
Why Facebook Connect?
Comment on Haaretz.com articles with your Facebook login, and share your thoughts on your own wall.
- Latest
- Most Viewed
- Most Rated
- Open all
Is Goliath Israel now crushing David Palestine? Seems though little David Palestine has only one sling shot left to defend itself against Israelusa : the UN
i just have read what this palestinian mongrel said on UN forum. I agree with Your prime minister Netenjahu in most of topics but its attitude is too soft. God is with Israel and He's promised something in Ezech 37. Shalom aleikhem!
annex strategic areas of the West Bank and most settlements. This way Israel will dictate the boarders for an eventual Palestinian state.
Moronic statement from a weasel. I am Israel as a country will not listen to this stupid turd
The Pals multilateral action (seeking UN approval) is termed unilateral by Israel and her cheerleaders. But Israel's unilateral actions which are crimes according to international law (settlement, annexation) are treated as if they are legitimate multilateral actions and the Pals are told that they must accept them as "demographic realities". Such flagrant disregard for basic truth and justice leads only to the breakdown of civilizations.
Aside from the insult of telling Bibi to continue doing just what he's been doing, the writers have lost sight that such policies flourish best in the shadows and that the light of day is inimical to their continuation.
We have seen men like these in history before. So much for the persecuted learning ANY lessons,when they get power. it corrupts absolutely What a hideous joke! A FAIR PEACE EVER?
it seemed to me such a great venture.many boys in israel feel the same way.the jewish nation will not doubt or be afraid.we have a future worth fighting for.
we lost 2600 soldiers on yom kippur in 1973.another six thousand died in the 1948 war.the enemy is watching us and we must not show anything but belief in our future.we will stare down the enemy
we have done nothing wrong.we return to the lands of our forefathers
so funny the losers that sit on the talkback section of this site all day and vote positively on asinine, hate-filled comments. You guys could never nuance your speech or actions to actually help the palestinians and israelis find peace. you are part of the problem of this conflict being so one-sided. diaspora jews and lots of israelis have sympathy for the palestinians but you dont have an ounce for jews. losers u are..
Jerusalem on a map of the middle east.
Israel is occupying Palestinian land, not the other way around....
my point exactly with this nitwit silvienne. yes it does suck that the palestinians do not have their state. i am against israeli settlement policy but there are surely parts of israel that are great (for example being able to give your opinion in one of their newspapers unlike in the arab world.) but the palestinians get off the hook for everything. the arabs started violence against jews in the 30s when jews were buying lands from shady scum rich palestinian arab families. there could have been a better dialogue by both but THE ARABS STARTED THE VIOLENCE AND THE REJECTION. jews are here and not going anywhere and will make peace under the right circumstances. but no, the arabs arent going to get their way. youve lost a billion wars-accept it. sad but true. i want peace as much as all and critisize both sides but again you cant..hypocrite!
Geat news for me. I too would like receive Israeli citizenship since I am the rightful heir to land seized in 1948 near Ramle. The village no longer exists and only the remains of a few graves of my grandparents. I would be good neighbor and I am educated. Totally open minded and could care less who my president is or what religious myths tie me to this land. I have the deeds to the land. Where do I sign up?
Turkey is the only nation in the world that is more bulletproof than Israel. Israel gets away with a lot of stuff, but they do get some criticism now and then. No action against them though. Whatever Turkey may do, they get no action against them by the west, but they get no criticism either. Turkey is far too important to the west to risk the relationship. Israel is not. Turkey will react very strongly to criticism. Israel, not as much. Israel is used to it and expects it. I think that Israelis may be a little jealous now that they understand that they are not the ultimate favorite they thought they were. Obama will have told Netanyahu in no uncertain words. If you are not going to apologize and fix the problem, don't even think about saying anything that will make it worse. The fact that Netanyahu is taking Erdogan's abuse silently shows that he got the message.
do not whine and be timid.the adversary is all around us.they will attack when we refuse to defend ourselves.
they are too vulnerable to the adversary do not stop building
and thus leave tel aviv without protection
the sooner the better.
it will be too late years from now.to protect ourselves we need to thrive and grow the economy.that would lessen our dependence on our adversaries east and west.
I am surprised by these MK's , the subject is really one for negotiations, but if the Palestinians refuseto negotiate, then Israel must act by itself. The Palestinians may be glad too that they don't have to expell the settlers. when they live in Israel again
I am surprised by these MK's , the subject is really one for negotiations, but if the Palestinians refuseto negotiate, then Israel must act by itself. The Palestinians may be glad too that they don't have to expell the settlers. when they live in Israel again
So clever guys will be not clever anymore
Congratulations on your new 3 million Palestinian citizens, now Israelis who will demand voting rights and you will also have to pay for them about 3 billion a year,Quit talking and do it. Nobody cares anymore what Israel thinks anymore. Let your racism shine
Let them howl at the moon, or starve. How dare anybody suggest that Israelis who have been systematically killed by them, now owe them something ?? I wouldn't give them a drink of water.
When we have a state accepted as a member of the United Nations, this is not the end of the conflict. This is not a solution to the conflict. This is only a new framework that will change the rules of the game. …Palestinian refugees would not become citizens of the sought for U.N.-recognized Palestinian state, an issue that has been much discussed. “They are Palestinians, that’s their identity,” he says. “But … they are not automatically citizens.” This would not only apply to refugees in countries such as Lebanon, Egypt, Syria and Jordan or the other 132 countries where Abdullah says Palestinians reside. Abdullah said that “even Palestinian refugees who are living in [refugee camps] inside the [Palestinian] state, they are still refugees. They will not be considered citizens.” The Palestinian Liberation Organization would remain responsible for refugees, and Abdullah says that UNRWA would continue its work as usual. I ask: what the hell do we need a Palestinian state if it is not a state for so-called stateless refugees?
The PA's unilateral bid for recognition of statehood in the UN is a clear violation of the agreements now its time to sanction Palestinian Authority for statehood bid; Likud MK to put annexation bill to vote!!!!
The small, greedy world of right wing Israelis is in the early stages of collapse. The process may take as long as several years, but there is no reversing the process. There are certain actions that can be taken to hurry this collapse. Annexing the west bank settlements is one of those actions. For what it's worth, I vote to annex.
The state of Israel is valid and though i disagree with the settlement policy, they do have valid points with their security and fear of their neighbors. Half of Pals dont even accept Israel. What about hamas??
wow level headed argument... congrats
Not only nervous, but desperate. Please annex it! Pretty please!
Abbas has forgon an application to the GA in favor of a deal he is cooking with the American, but a step like this will force his hand.
I am not that into international politics, but wouldn't it be better if Israel annexed all the territory? Doesn't that seem to be a perfect one-state solution? Wouldn't Palestinians get permanent resident/citizenship status? Why blame Israel? It seems very good plan for pals too. It seems to me after all, there is only one-state solution.
it is clear that you know nothing about international politics therefore it would be better if you were to go away and educate yourself on the history of the region before uttering such statements,i have been monitoring it for nearly 40 years and whilst i could never claim to be an expert i can quite safely say that a solution as outlined by you would lead to bloodshed on a massive scale.
Well. Palestinians and Israelis were living under one state "Israel" before teh first intifada. But they were considered 3rd Level citizins, with no passports, no rights, basically they were there just to collect taxes from them. So it doesn't work. But if you come to think about it, one state called "ANYTHING", new flag, not jewish, not isalmic not christian state. same rights to everyone. Of course that is teh best solution, but neither Hamas or Israeli extreemists would allow this to happen.
Israel must also annex ALL undeveloped land in Judea & Samaria. And if the Pals don't want to live in peace, we will also annex all Arab neighborhoods and deport them to the Palestinian country of Jordan.
After that, built a beautiful life. They belong in Jordan, regardless of what the King thinks.
strange definition of Unilateral that these people have... Palestinians appeal to a world forum is hardly unilateral.. Israel settlements and annexation are clearly unilateral!
They lost their land, now live with your mistake.
All blocs, major towns, entire Jordan valley strip (where only Jews now live anyway), all connected by "sovereign safe passage roads. PA then can have a donut-hole "state" in the middle of the WB, with Jewish states controlling entry on all sides, no way for weapons to be smuggled in. They can use Israeli harbors, airports and crossings to Jordan only on condition of their supervised demilitarization, peaceful behavior, no boycotts, no anti-Israel incitement activity. Three-state-solution. Gaza can be Arab Leichtenstein as soon as they get rid of rockets and recognize Israel. Four-state-solution! Where is my NobelPeacePrize?
Turkey is vital to western interests and a key member of NATO. Because of this, the west would not even consider any action against Turkey. Israel, on the other hand, is nothing but a money pit for the west. There would no nothing lost by breaking ties with Israel and applying sanctions. In fact, it is all gain. Israel should not make any stupid moves thinking that the rest of the world will put Israeli interests before their own.
I think it couldn't even be better: Israel (capital city: Jerusalem-Mamilla), Judea (cc: Jerusalem - Hurva), Moslem West Bank (cc: Jerusalem-Mount of Olives), Christian West Bank (cc: Betlehem), Arabic Galiliee (cc: Nazareth), Secular Gush Dan (cc: Tel Aviv), Greater Mea Shearim (cc: the Armenian Quarter), Union of Kibbutzim (they just don't need a cc.), Samaria (cc. Garizim + Holon). If someone doesn't like it, he/she would be deported to Beverly Hills, Istambul or Al-Andalus, depending on preferences.
Do Israelis seriously believe they can keep Palestinians locked into prisons, ghettoes and bantustans? Do they seriously believe the world will let them take what they want and refuse justice to the Palestinians in a functional, independent state? Delusional.
acting like Jews and stop treating the Palestinians like dirt. Remember the Golden Rule of Judaism. What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man.
No one should comment on this annex plans. It is just paperwork, and has no value at all. It is like Bibi talk, a lot of words, no contants!
If jews want to have all Palestinian lands? OK, Annex it, with of course, ALL its population. GO ahead, be my guest.
that awaits the ticking demographic bomb. Go for it Bibi.
Lebanon, Syria, Egyp, Iraq. Or send them to Jordan which has 78% of the original Palestine, Abbass cries so often
Israel has to do NOTHING.
annex the west bank and you become an apartehid since 2.5 million muslims live there. annex teh settlements and the world will see the true face of Israel. NEVER INTERRUPT YOUR ENEMY WHEN HE IS MAKING A MISTAKE!
Israel is non-reformable
Go on - I'm dying to see what the international community does about that! Things aren't quite as they were when Israel illegally annexed East Jeruslem and the Golan! Annex - PLEASE!
Got my popcorn tub ready for this one.
When you see the final result, hope you don't choke on the popcorn.
18 years of a one sided accorded is 18 years too much...annex and be done with this charade, so we can move onto more important things than constant dealings with our enemies
STOP TALKING ,AND JUST DO IT ALREADY YOU ARE QUITE RIGHT IN CALLING IT A CHARADE ONCE TJHIS IS SORTED OUT,ISRAEL CAN GET DOWN TO THEMORE IMPORTANT ASPECTS--- i.e PREPARATIONS ON HOW TO FIGHT,OR AVERT INCURSIONS BY JIHADISTS ON ITS SOIL..
Israel it is your land.. Build, Build and Build...
Shouldnt be too har to get to be honest.
and you woll have to buy in New York
Show me the history book that speaks about “israelis” 2000 years ago,please. That would be interesting discovery.
It's kind of like shangri-la. A mystical place.
It's kind of like shangri-la. A mystical place.
I thought we were finished
I didn't know we re-located to the middle east. they didn't tell me
And to the 19 One does NOT STEAL ONES LAND IT IS JEWISH LAND NOT ARABS That you are dismissing it YOUR PROBLEM Typical Israel bashing comment..
If Israel annexes the West Bank then there will eventually be a Palestinian state based not on the 1967 borders, but on the 1946 borders of the British Mandate. Good luck with that one world...
A shmuck like you in Kopenhagen ?? Haven't ever heard from you about Assad murdering thousands. Nothing can stop it, Silver. Just watch.
paying you to post daily the sentiment.
those sterling defenders of democracy and fundamental human rights for the oppressed.....except when it is Jews denying the democracy and trampling over human right. What say the distinguished members of Congress Ackerman and Lowey over this latest announcement of annexation? Does this further the US vision for peace in the region? Do the distinguished members Ackerman and Lowey defend this latest action by the apartheid government of will they stay silent? Their hypocrisy rings loud and clear through out the world and the US will pay a high price for this defense of zionist racism and injustice.
To pull a stunt like annexing the West Bank and all the rest of it , would see Israel face the biggest onslaught of public backlash globally. People from all around the World would automatically stand shoulder to shoulder with Palestinians. Israel would ,by taking such actions, seal its demise. The World has had and heard enough from Israel...withdraw from the West Bank. You are no more able to defend Israel with it than you are without it. Missiles do the trick today. Doesn't matter how big your buffer zones are. When will Israel think in modern terms instead of thinking instead of 2000 yrs ago. No-one uses javelins and slingshots anymore. Fact is you are worse off in the West Bank...takes less time for missiles to reach the West Bank than to reach Tel Aviv. Your thinking is illogical.
AND BUILD BABY BUILD! Every nation decides it's own fate and future.
You won't be whinging about the price of cottage cheese. You will be whinging about the shortages when the sanctions hit.
THANKS TO THOSE MKS ..GO BABY GO..BUILD AND DO IT NOW WITHOUT DELAY..
You people do realize that you've signed the Geneva Conventions, right? What you're proposing by definition is a violation of the very laws you signed. So go ahead. Try to annex the illegal West Bank settlements. The ICC is waiting for you.
An occupying power cannot legally 'annex' occupied land without the agreement of the occupied civil authority. Can't see the PA agreeing to it somehow. Can't see the ROW accepting Israel driving such a big coach and horses through international law either. That could be the straw that broke the camel's back as international patience with Israel finally runs out. Withholding Palestinian taxes from the occupied civil authority is equally illegal. Do the right not have a copy of Geneva Convention 4 or are they just too used to Israel ignoring intl law and getting away with it?
in an occupied terrorities.
Makes no long term difference. Israel is running out of international credit and is facing irrevelancy.
while Israel's credit rating was just raised to AA+ by Dunn & Bradstreet. Wallace, when you're just talking nonsense and someone comes back with facts it makes you look, well, stupid.
Israel's credit was just UPGRADED to the highest possible status(A). I wonder where you get your information? Perhaps from Hamas headquarters?
It was raised to a measly A+ a long way to go to AAA like the UK which just happens to be in the EU.
... beefed up by all the Palestinian laborer's exlpoited in Israel for a pittance...
at the slightest excuse, blaming everyone, while justifying their crime.
Take it all.
sir the annexations we're talking about are in the Westbank! There have been no rockets shot from the Westbank! And exactly who is denying whose existence here?
Right wing Israel reps. talk is cheap do what you can but Turkey is watching and coming to bring fairness for Palestine. you the few extremists don't represent Israel and turkey is only after the extremists.
The Palestinians have chosen to abrogate the Oslo Accords. They have refused negotiations with Israel. It is time for Israel to put sovereignty over Yesha back on the table. This is the inherent right of the Jewish people and no one can question their right to sovereignty over the Land Of Israel. Its a move long overdue.
Drop the crap already. YOU were the ones to have nullified Oslo by not doing a damn thing to live up to your end of the bargain. And the West Bank isn't Israel. Don't even think of bringing up the "Judea and Samaria" crap, because there is no such entity. This is the 21st Century, and there is only the West Bank. You can either grow up and get with the times, or you'll be forced to. Simple as that.
...and be prepared to pay dearly for that !
and let your adversaries walk all over you until they finally destroy you.
The Israeli government will destroy Israel long before any other government has the chance...
talk is at the UN.
Bill has already told Hiliary that Netanyahu will never make peace. Obama is as mad with Israel as he is with the Palestinians. The vast majority of the UN spupport the Palestinians anyhow!
WILL BE LOVED BY THE WHOLE WORLD- While it is DEAD and burried in the SAND DUNES? You see how puerile your assumptions are...(same as the rest of israel bashers) SURPRISE!!?!?!? IT IS NOT GOING TO DETER ISRAEL TO DO AS IT WISHES(THE SOONER THE BETTER ALSO STOP ACTINGA THE PA's TIT) Giving them moneys..That is ADDING INSULT TO INJURY.. END OF STORY
So, time for Israel to stop acting as a doormat for the PA and start unilaterally annexing lands as she sees fit. The PA must understand that actions have their consequences.
long time ago....
Israel unilaterally builds illegal settlements. Israel unilaterally bombed Gaza in 2006. Israel unilaterally attacked in 1967. Face it Israel does everything unilaterally... carte blanche.
quickly, with precision and an iron will !!!.
So basically you are maintaining that the Palestinians need to ask permission from their Zionist masters?
Complete violation of the Oslo Accords, so why should Israel hold to it?
Unilateral? Yes.
This a reason more to give the Palestinians a full UN membership as soon as possible before they are stealing more. Lucky the world can see the true face of Israel now.
and as for the bully, try ignoring 12,000 Iranian rockets fired from Gaza, moron.
the palestinians have for us. And let us always be polite and unassuming and provide to our poor, deprived, beset with anguish palestinian brothers the knife to stab into our backs. Because committing national suicide is far more dignified and polite than fighting back for the national survival.
more than 12,000. this could be the start of something big. don't think the casualties would be fewer.