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David M. Weinberg
AGAINST UNILATERAL

WITHDRAWALS

iven the Arab regional improve Israel’s international position Worst of all, unilateral withdrawals
meltdown, the inroads made by and moral standing. As the Lebanon will unnecessarily and unjustifiably
G radical Islam in the Palestinian and Gaza precedents proved, unilateral tear asunder Israel internal fabric.
national movement, and deep Israeli withdrawals only guarantee It’s indefensible to tie a death-knell
incapacities in the Palestinian Authority continuation of the conflict and even its tourniquet on Israeli towns in Judea
– it’s hard to believe that anybody still escalation, not its de-escalation. and Samaria – if at all – without
hawks the same-old “solutions” for the comprehensive and sustainable peace in
Palestinian-Israeli arena. After the Israeli withdrawals outlined in the offing.
the plan, how is Israel going to be able
And yet that is what center-left generals to prevent the fall of Judea and Samaria Consequently, I prefer the views of Maj.
and Barak-Olmert era officials are to Hamas or one of the other jihadist Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror and Col.
doing, with the presentation of yet groups now swarming the Mideast? (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman, who were Prime
another passé plan for unilateral Israeli If Israel reserves the right to raid the Minister Netanyahu’s national security
withdrawals from Judea and Samaria territories to root out Hamas cells, how advisors (and are now fellows at JISS –
(the West Bank). Maj. Gen. (res.) Amos is that any different from the situation the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and
Yadlin and a group of colleagues at the today? And if the IDF keeps a significant Security, the leading conservative think
Tel Aviv-based Institute for National troop presence on the hilltops and at key tank). They have written that Israel
Security Studies (INSS) have suggested junctures, who will really consider this must not jeopardize its existence by
a plan to separate Israel from the an end to the Israeli “occupation”? embarking on rash initiatives – neither
Palestinians. They would unilaterally unilateral withdrawals nor annexations
create a contiguous Palestinian “entity” Moreover, with Israel’s civilian – that would radically worsen its security
under the control of the Palestinian settlements in the Samarian mountains situation, just to please proponents of
Authority comprising approximately asphyxiated, one can imagine what will “forward progress” at any cost. This risk
befall Israel’s rump troop presence in
65% of the West Bank and take steps to the West Bank. Remember how badly is not worth taking.
starve settlements outside the so-called Amidst violent events, it is easy to be
settlement blocs. Israel’s “security zone” in southern
Lebanon worked out? Israeli forces had tempted to seek decisive “solutions” to
The “new strategic framework” is no legitimacy whatsoever, engendered the Palestinian problem(s) – in both
nicely wrapped-up as professional and sustained international opprobrium, and Gaza and the West Bank – through
politically-neutral research that took a the IDF suffered constant casualties. drastic military action, or through
year of intensive discussions to produce, Does anyone want to turn Judea and equally dramatic concessions. But given
and is couched in high-soaring language Samaria into southern Lebanon? the lessons of recent history, as well as
about “taking Zionist initiative.” Unilateral moves will not provide the unpredictable nature of regional
But essentially it’s the same plan for Israel with diplomatic breathing room events, it makes sense to adhere to
“conflict management” and piecemeal
unilateral withdrawals in the absence of either. Withdrawing from one part of
peace with the Palestinians that General the territories won’t convince anyone arrangements.
Yadlin used as a political platform when that Israel has a right to keep other This is not a cowardly choice by
he stood as Zionist Union candidate for parts. On the contrary: A partial Israeli hapless political and military leaders,
defense minister in 2015. but a rational choice in irrational
pullout will intensify the illegitimacy
Now, the leader of Israel’s new “centrist” of any remaining presence in the circumstances; even more so when the
Iranian challenge looms larger than ever
political party, Lt. General (res). Benny territories. Every Israeli retreat is taken on Israel’s immediate horizons. Patience
Gantz, has dropped hints that he too as proof that the territories are all stolen has its own merits.
sees the need for Israel to unilaterally property that must be returned to their
“shape a new reality” in the territories. rightful Palestinian owners. Unilateral David M. Weinberg is vice president
withdrawals will bolster Palestinian of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy
Unilateral Israeli withdrawals will maximalism, not engender Palestinian and Security, jiss.org.il. His personal
neither enhance Israeli security nor cooperation or moderation. site is davidmweinberg.com

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