settlement freeze

Israel and the Europeans: On a Course to Conflict Over Jerusalem

By Orly Noy, Ir Amim's Spokesperson

A month after Prime Minister Netanyahu announced a limited "freeze" on construction in Israeli-controlled Palestinian territory, it appears that his action will not end international pressure on Israel. True, the United States welcomed the announcement and attempted to solicit positive responses from other members of the Quartet. But outside the United States, Netanyahu's belated response--described by many commentators within Israel as half-hearted--has not had the same effect. Indeed, Israel appears to be on a collision course with several European states and the newly-enhanced European Union.

Abbas’ Proposal for an Undeclared Settlement Freeze: Transparent Ploy or Plea for Help?

INSS Insight No. 151, December 20, 2009

In an interview with Haaretz on December 15, Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas repeated his longstanding position that Israeli-Palestinian negotiations can only resume after Israel implements a complete freeze on settlement construction throughout the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. But in a new wrinkle that might have been intended as a sign of flexibility, he added that negotiations could begin immediately, even if the freeze is not publicly declared.

An Israeli View: Dealing with Mr. Yes and No

Back in the days of Binyamin Netanyahu's first term as prime minister, more than ten years ago, he was satirized as Mr. Yes and No. For every "yes" he delivered to US President Bill Clinton or PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat, there was also a "no" or, if you like, a "yes" to the settlers and other opponents of the peace process. That appears to be where we are today, once again.

A Palestinian View: The ball is now with the international community

Binyamin Netanyahu's announcement in late November that his government would implement a settlement freeze was not taken seriously by Palestinians, Arabs or other interested and involved parties.

Palestinians warned that the announcement amounted to no more than a public relations gimmick aimed at reducing growing international criticism of Israel's settlement expansion policies. Palestinian officials made clear that the Israeli "freeze" did not signal any change to Israeli settlement expansion, which is responsible for preventing the resumption of negotiations.

Will the Americans drive Bibi “crazy?”

Troll around the Web and you will find many, distinctly different ways of looking at Bibi Netanyahu’s recent announcement of a ten-month settlement freeze. Here are four that interest me:

Netanyahu considering 10 month settlement freeze

Haaretz reported this morning that Prime Minister Netanyahu is considering seeking cabinet or governmental approval for a ten month settlement freeze in the West Bank. This would not include Israeli construction in East Jerusalem. Israeli officials have said that Netanyahu hopes this move will enable the renewal of peace talks with the Palestinians, although Palestinian officials have demanded a total freeze in settlement construction in East Jerusalem as well as the West Bank as a precondition to negotiations.

Beilin Announces Planned Settlement Freeze as Barak and Peres Formulate New Peace Plan

Former Knesset Member Yossi Beilin announced yesterday that Prime Minister Netanyahu will soon declare a ten month freeze on settlement construction in the West Bank, which would not include Jerusalem. Posturing on what may happen following Netanyahu's declaration, Beilin predicted that the Americans would welcome the move and call for the renewal of talks despite their disapproval of continued building in Jerusalem and the Palestinian Authority would not be able accept it and would collapse as a result.

Republicans and Settlers Unite: Partying at a Site of Controversy

In a sign of increased hostility toward a settlement freeze and the Obama push for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, Israeli and US right wingers are teaming up. This Sunday, at the Shepherd Hotel in East Jerusalem a dinner is being held to showcase support for the settlements in general, and specifically, for building at the Shepherd Hotel. The choice of venue is not random and is meant to be provocative.

Maneuvering the US-Israel Relationship

Recent efforts have been made by the Obama administration to strengthen US ties with Israel. Itamar Eichner in Yedioth Ahronoth reports that President Obama sent letters to seven Arab leaders in the Middle East, pressuring them to take more steps to progress the peace process. These letters requested that the Arab leaders improve their relations with Israel, as well as avoid any statements that may setback negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis.

U.S. Warns Netanyahu Against New Construction in Jerusalem

The already rocky relationship between President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu was further strained this past week by a recent warning from the U.S. to Israel.

Aluf Benn in Haaretz: