HHC-8 Israel

Representatives: Please post your opening statements here before class on Wednesday.
CNs: Please post your opening statements here before class on Thursday.

To post, click on comment, and then copy and paste your statements in to the space provided and click on "post."

Comments

[maria montes]

Maria Montes
11/01/05
HHC

The position of the Likud Party about the Israeli Palestinian Conflict

For many years the Israelis and the Palestinians have been exchanging violent acts because of land. The wars of 1948 and 1967 were a victory for the Israelis. This is a reason for why now he Israelis has so much power over certain land. The Israelis deserve the land they have because we have suffered through pain and harsh treatment. Even though both people claim the land belongs to them, these violent attacks have got to end. This is why the Likud Party is now planning on a peace process to fix this conflict. An agreement may help to have peace, and this will help to have as many people satisfied as possible.
The Israelis have gone through a lot, and our people deserve to have their own controlled land. The land that they owe now has made many Israelis happy, but that is still not enough land to hold all the people, “The government succeeded in significantly reducing the extent of territory that the Palestinians expected to receive in the interim arrangement. The government will insist that security areas essential to Israel's defense, including the western security area and the Jewish settlements, shall remain under Israeli rule.”(State of Israel platform). The people of Israel want to take over Palestinian land and be able to control it with the Jewish settlements. They also want to have more security areas so that Israel will be protected in case of a violent terrorist attack. The people finally negotiating on the issue decided on an overtime agreement, “In the final status negotiations at camp David and Taba, Israel offered to turn over large percentages of land in the West Bank and Gaza, but the areas were to be separated by narrow corridors of Israel control” (Reader, 100). In the end we did compromise to give land to the Palestinians as long as it has narrow corridors or borders that separate both people (reader). This would be very important so that the people are controlled, and so that all people can be safe. It is to guarantee that there will not be more disagreement between both groups of people.
The final status of Jerusalem is very important to the Israelis because that is where Abraham almost sacrifices Isaacc. It is a holy city for out people, and we should be able to have it. It is our concern to care for both groups of people, "The Likud government will act with vigor to continue Jewish habitation and strengthen Israeli sovereignty in the eastern parts of the city, while emphasizing improvements in the welfare and security of the Arab residents. Despite protests from the left, the Likud government consistently approved the continuation of Jewish living within the Old City and in 'City of David’” (State of Israel, platform). It is important that the Israelis still have power over most parts of Jerusalem, and it is also important that we help out with the safety of the Arabs. This is beneficiary because we get more control over Jerusalem, and the Arabs get more protection and safety in that area. This benefits both groups, and keeps them both pleased. Jerusalem is so important that it may be in someone else’s power to decide who gets it, “Jerusalem was to have been internationalized under the UN partition plan. Both sides have claims on the eastern side of Jerusalem (Reader, 102). The UN has to come up with a reasonable plan for this holy city, but both sides want claim on the Old City and all the holy cities (reader). We do not want to partition land with the Palestinians because it will cause even more conflict. The more reasonable thing to do is give some power to the Israelis, and at the same time have the Arabs be protected.
Violence has played a major role as a precursor to the huge issue we are dealing with today. Security is very critical for both countries to have, so that all people will feel protected. “The government succeeded in significantly reducing the extent of territory that the Palestinians expected to receive in the interim arrangement. The government will insist that security areas essential to Israel's defense, including the western security area and the Jewish settlements, shall remain under Israeli rule” (State of Israel, platform). It is only fair that the land the Palestinians expected to get is reduced, so that it does not create resentment and jealousy between both people. The Western security areas and the Jewish settlements should be protected because it is under Israeli control (State of Israel). The Israelis insist in having more protection so that no armies could harm our people, “The west Bank has enormous strategic importance to any country wishing to invade Israel. Israel therefore insists on guarantees that Palestinian state would not allow a foreign army to enter its borders, and has insisted on bases within the West Bank” (Reader, 101-102). Since the West Bank is under Israeli control, it needs to make sure that there is nothing that will jeopardize Israeli control. This is why no other army should be let in, and precautions like adding bases to the West Bank should be taken.
Palestinian refugees want their land back, but there is people already here that own that land which makes it harder for people to come back. It will also increase the population, "Israelis oppose return of the refugees because that would create an Arab Palestinian majority and would put an end to Israel as a Jewish state"(Reader, 100). We do not want the Refugees coming back because it will encourage more competition for land. It will also end Israeli control, and more land would be needed for more people.
The Likud party is trying as hard as possible to make sure that there is peace in this land. We are trying to make as many agreements as possible. It is time for this place to have peace, “Peace is a primary objective of the State of Israel. The Likud will strengthen the existing peace agreements with the Arab states and strive to achieve peace agreements with all of Israel's neighbors with the aim of reaching a comprehensive solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict” (State of Israel, platform). We need to make sure that these two different groups of people come together so that we can all have peace. We need to make sure that this violence ends because it is affecting many lives. We need to see the light of peace in this country, so that all people can reach ultimate tranquility.

Maria Montes
11/01/05
Bibliography-

“Likud- Platform”. The State of Israel.1999. Mideast Web for Likud Party. 01 November 2005.[ http://www.knesset.gov ]www.knesset.gov

Isseroff, Ami. “In a Nutshell, Israeli Palestinian Conflict.” Mideast Web. 2005. 22 Aug 2005. http://www.mideastweb.org/nutshell.htm

[Donna]

Donna Farizan November 2, 2005
Mr. Reich

AIPAC Opening Statement

I am Donna Farizan and I am a member of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee because I support Israel and I want to defend it. AIPAC is an organization for American Israelis living in the United States to help prevent certain issues in Israel that deal with security, Jerusalem, territorial sovereignty, and refugees (among others). (Who We Are) AIPAC was established in the 1950s and currently AIPAC consists of approximately 100,000 members. (Who We Are) AIPAC is a very important organization for Israelis and the group meets with Congress to “help pass more than 100 pro-Israel legislative initiatives a year.” (Who We Are) AIPAC is a group that is more to the left of the political spectrum because although it is pro-Israeli, AIPAC does whatever it can to keep peace. "One thing which has not changed, however, is our appreciation of AIPAC. At this challenging hour, we need you more than ever. We are grateful for your work throughout the year, in every city and in every state. You help strengthen the friendship between Israel and the United States - a friendship based on the shared values of freedom, democracy and the sanctity of life." (Sharon, Who We Are) This quote supports AIPAC because Israel has a strong relationship with the US that AIPAC tries to enforce it.
AIPAC wants to help defend Israel since AIPAC consists of American Israelis and one way to help AIPAC go about doing this is for Israel to have a strong relationship with the US, which they do. One example of how AIPAC believes in the security of Israel is by making the security wall. The security wall is a wall “built inside the West Bank that cuts off Palestinians from their lands and from other towns” and other Palestinian property. (Reader, pg. 103) This helps Israelis because “the Israeli casualties decreased dramatically” and it also “prevents terror attacks.” (Reader, pg. 103) However, something the Israelis have to give up in order to build this wall is to slowly allow Palestinians in the West Bank to create and be responsible for their own security later on. (Reader, pg. 103) Another way AIPAC prevents attacks or terrorism in Israel is by getting help from Congress to defend Israel from other countries with “nuclear, chemical and biological weapons” (Who We Are). This is mainly done because the United States and Israel have a mutual relationship. Therefore, Israel will help support United States with their current war in Iraq. In return, the United States will help defend Israel against terrorism and missile threats. (Who We Are) "There is no substitute for peace, and no guarantee of peace without security. AIPAC has long played an instrumental and absolutely vital role in assuring that security. Your cause has always been just." (McCain, Who We Are) AIPAC supports this quote mainly because it encourages and sustains the security in Israel and AIPAC also does this while trying to maintain peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.
Another topic AIPAC fights for in the favor of Israelis is Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and although it is one of the holiest cities in the world, Palestinians and Israelis still fight for the ownership of it. Therefore, since AIPAC is a group whose purpose is to help Israel, AIPAC asked the US legislature to make a law to have Jerusalem be accepted as their capital by “moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.” (Who We Are) So, currently “all official US documents” state that Jerusalem belongs to the Israelis, not the Palestinians. (Who We Are) However, this did not stop disputes and violence between the Israelis and the Palestinians, it only encouraged it. Therefore, although Israelis own Jerusalem according to the documents in America, it did not bring much more peace upon the Israelis and Palestinians and that is something the Israelis had to give up for something so great.
AIPAC also helps the Israelis in Israel with territorial sovereignty. Territorial sovereignty is the ownership of land and Israelis and Palestinians are fighting over the Israel and Palestine land. For example, Israel wants to own the West Bank and Gaza (mainly West Bank) which are Palestinian lands as well as the lands they already own. However, in order to keep peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, Israelis gave up that land for the Palestinians. Also, the Palestinians want to own the land in between West Bank and Gaza (the Israeli property) but for peace the Palestinians only have those two areas of land in Israel. However, AIPAC still wishes to make Israel only Israeli property.
Refugees also play a big role in the help AIPAC gives to Israel. In 1948, 726,000 Palestinians became refugees since they had to leave their country because Israelis took over their land and homes. (Nutshell, pg. 100) However, although that was a long time ago the Israelis will not allow the refugees to come back to their true homes because then there will be more Palestinians than Israelis. (Nutshell, pg. 100) This truly was a win-win situation for the Israelis since they did not have to give anything up to have more Israelis than Palestinians in Israel. AIPAC obviously supports this because the members of AIPAC who live in America would not want their relatives’ or the only Israeli country to be overcome by Palestinians.
Overall AIPAC is an organization of American Israelis which wants peace for both the Israelis and Palestinians. However, AIPAC only supports the Israelis and try to make certain situations such as security, Jerusalem, territorial sovereignty, and refugees better for the Israelis.

Donna Farizan November 2, 2005
Mr. Reich

Opening Statement Bibliography

1) History of the Human Community Conflict and Identity Fall Semester Reader 2005. “In a Nutshell: Israeli Palestinian Conflict.”

2) Who We Are website:
“About AIPAC: Who We Are.” AIPAC. 25 October 2005.”

[Vinny Baker]

This is the position of the Israeli Peace Movement:

Vinny Baker
November 2, 2005
Israeli Peace Movement Opening Statement

As the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians is on the rise, we, the Israeli Peace Movement, have come together to propose our ideas, in order to stop all violence and reach an agreement. The four main issues that will be discussed are territorial sovereignty, the status of Jerusalem, security and violence and the rights for refugees.
For territorial sovereignty, we believe, that the Palestinians should govern over and control the West Bank and the Jericho and the remaining land should be governed by Israel. I think we should we stick to the Oslo and the Declaration of Principles agreement, allowing Palestine to create and rules the West Bank and Jericho. We will transfer the power to them, allowing them to govern themselves by creating their laws and own internal force (Bickerton, Israeli-PLO). We will relocate the Israeli settlers currently living in the West Bank and Jericho to different areas within Israel. Although this may cause many upset people, we would hope in exchange the cooperation of the Israelis. In exchange we would also want Palestine should recognize us as a state, stop all attacks against. All the attacks performed upon us is in violation of our human rights and laws. Once the recognition of the two separate states we should be able to create a co-partnership in water, trade, electricity, transportation and finance. We both can benefit from this partnership (Bickerton, Israeli-PLO). Once we get along we will be able to move on and create a better plc\ace for us.
The issue concerning the final status of Jerusalem, the city should become an international city without borders, because of the significant history that both the Israelis and the Palestinians have in common to it. Historically to the Arabs and the Jews, Jerusalem is the third holiest city found in the entire world. As written in the Torah, Jerusalem was the land that God had promised in the covenant. It also contains part of the Western Wall, which was part of the Temple and that is the mountain on which Abraham almost sacrificed his son. For the Palestinians Jerusalem holds the Dome of the Mosque of Al-Asqa and the Mosque of Omar, both important tools in the faith. The city of Jerusalem would also be too difficult to create borders with the city, “Jewish and Arab neighborhoods are closely interwoven and would be hard to separate” (Isseroff, “Nutshell”). Allowing Jerusalem to become international will cut the violence and enable people to share the city. But of course with this we would want in exchange the violence to end so but states can enjoy the city of Jerusalem. Once Jerusalem becomes an international city both sides can use without he concern of borders or ownership.
The violence between Palestine and Israel has been going on for many years and to end all the violence between these two states there needs to be stricter rules or laws, and discontinuing the construction of the Security Fence. We could be negotiable in letting the Israeli Government continuing building the fence if it stays on the Green Line or Israeli territory (B”Tselem, Human Rights). The Security Fence that is now in process is pushing the boundaries of the Israeli, extended it into Palestine land. We strongly believe, that Security Fence is in violation of the human rights and what we stand for, but we understand that Israelis would want to protect themselves and keep for performing attacks. The police force from the Palestine and the Israeli sides need to impose strict laws on terrorists’ attacks and violence against one another. There should be equal punishment for the Israelis and the Palestinians. This will show that everyone is equal portray a image that violence is no the answer.
After all the wars that has take place, there are an abundant of refugees left over, we believe that they should be able to return to their homeland and have settlements within the West Bank and Jericho. The conditions, in which the settlers have been living before, are harsh and unlivable. The right thing to do would be allow them the land we once took from them and give it back to them. We believe that housing should be set up for them, allowing them to regain back their daily lives. In exchange for this, as we said throughout the Opening Statement, the violence should be put to an end. Once the violence has ended we can move on to bigger and better things.
In conclusion we want to create a sustainable place where both the Israelis and the Palestinians can live peacefully. All our ideas generated from this meeting should spark a treaty between these two states. This treaty should be the mark the beginning of the end of violence, human violations and ignorance engulfing both sides.

[eric]

Eric Greenstein
October 30, 2005
H.H.C. Opening Statement

The Zionists believe that the land of Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza should rightfully be theirs because God promised it, and they have taken it over during the Six Day War and have military control in many areas. As promised in the covenant with God between Abraham (Genesis 17:7-8), the Zionists believe that Israelis should rule the land of Canaan because God rightfully gave it to them 4000 years ago. God is the supreme being of the universe, he created each and every one of us, and his word shall stand even today. Hopefully, God is with us on our righteous quest to be the rulers of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza so we can finally acquire what was pledged to us. My Zionist people are willing to do whatever it takes, including violence and assassination of government officials to gain justice. Zionists have assassinated Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the spiritual head of the Palestinian Islamic militant group Hamas, and we will not hesitate to kill any political figure against our cause. On November 22, 1967, the U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 242 that states that we cannot rule land that has been taken over in the Six Day War. My people do not understand why that is so. “The UN partitioned the land between Jews and Arabs in 1947, but the Arab leadership rejected the partition and chose to settle the conflict by war. Now 50 years later there is an attempt to revive the partition plan as the legitimate international status quo” (Jewish Settlements). Since when was taking over land by force and democratic majority wrong? Britain has occupied India, the United Stated fought for their land and freedom, but they now say we cannot follow their example. Moving out of Gaza (New York Times) only makes Israelites angry because many of us have reluctantly abandoned our homes and have been forced to evacuate on government orders. Why should we move out? Also, the Israeli military are protecting many areas that are under Palestinian control. About 10 percent of Israel is under Palestinian civil control, but Israeli military control (Conflict Peace Map). We are trying to help, but we want what we deserve because of all the help we have given. As the representative of our people, I am willing to give up a small amount of land in Gaza, but I want Israel to be a larger state controlling Jerusalem and the West Bank.
As for Jerusalem, however, the Zionists believe that we can live in peace and share the city as long as it is under Israeli control because of the care and consideration regarding the importance of this city. Israelis are responsible, just people who want the best for everyone. Since this city is the most important city in the world for us because of the deep history of David, Abraham, The Temple, etc. (God’s City), I think we would be the best rulers. Our care and consideration for the city as well as its people would be motivation for us to lead well. Many Jewish settlers have made homes surrounding Jerusalem, and they are not going to move because they live so close to their holiest city. The logical answer would be to put Jerusalem under Jewish control so a rebellious conflict does not erupt involving these villages surrounding this city. The Zionists are willing to give up time for other religions to visit their holy sites because we understand that Jerusalem is an important city to Muslims and Christians as well (God’s City). Muslims and Christians will be able to visit this city to pay respects to their holy places, as long as there is little violence. The Zionists believe that sharing the city but having it ruled by one Jewish government will be great because it will unify everybody so there is one police force, one set of laws, etc. Violence hopefully will be solved in this area, and hopefully the people will understand and follow what needs to be done to keep this city from evolving into a state of turmoil and aggression. Now we can end the conflict surrounding the Great City to make the city a peaceful, holy place like it was meant to be.
Security is a great concern for Zionists, and we believe the security fence is needed unless the Palestinian authority can stop the violence of their own people. I believe that the security fence is needed to keep suicide bombers from attacking innocent Israelis to disrupt the peace. Many of us Zionists know what it is like to live in fear and terror of bombings. People I know are killed every day because of this gruesome resort to gain the fear of my people, and terrorist groups like Hamas need to be under control. Terror is not a way to deal with problems; we need democratic political discussions to find common ground. The Palestinian government should punish violent extremists so that violence ceases, or else the security fence will be built, and we will keep assassinating government leaders and having air strikes. “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” they say. We police a large area of Israel, and we also stand guard at territories occupied by Muslims. Our help is being offered to Palestinians already, and we want violence to stop in return. I am willing to stop the attacks of us Jews if we stop being attacked. I do not want my people to live in fear, so I believe violence must be stopped in any way possible. If the Palestinians do not cooperate with attempting to punish terrorists, we will build the security fence and keep attacking Palestine.
Refugees from the numerous wars should not be able to go back to their homes and settle again because Zionists believe that a two state solution would be the best way to solve the disagreements in Israel; refugees moving back reverse the process of having an area be settled by all Israelites or all Palestinians. I am willing to pay a small compensation for the refugees, but I want to make sure that none of my people will become refugees, and that the paid refugees are peaceful and cooperative in settling somewhere else. Violence will not be permitted among people whom we are helping, or else they will remain unpaid and homeless because we want to end the cycle of violence. As mentioned in the covenant, this is the homeland of the Jews, so it must not be populated all over by Palestinians. I think that in order to solve this problem, space must be set away for Palestinians and Jews so that they do not continue to settle with each other and be violent. If they keep settling together, it will become even harder to solve the refugee issue because too many people would have to move away from their homes, and this process is hard enough to begin with. I think a two-state solution would best solve the refugee problem because the refugees could finally have a homeland in another country where a government can take control and aid these people.

[Julia Luscinskas]

Julia Luscinskas
October 31, 2005

The Israeli Labor Party is to the left of center of the Jewish beliefs, which means, they are the most willing to solve the Israeli and Palestinian conflicts will peace. This party wants to establish fair borders of Israel, and specifically Jerusalem, and a security system that will enforce the laws of these borders. Also another topic of discussion for peace is what to do with the situations of the refugees who were exiled in 1967 and in previous years.

Territorial Sovereignty
For the most peaceful resolution for the Israeli and Palestinian conflict regarding territorial sovereignty, the power should be given to the majority population of the area. The Israeli government should rule over blocks of large Israeli settlements including the settlements nestled in the West Bank. “Labor opposes construction of new settlements and the expansion of existing settlements before the final status agreements are reached”, (Jew Lib.), meaning the Israeli population will try to be contained and leave the other lands in which Jews are not inhibiting, to the Palestinians or other countries. When the government switched to a Labor based government, one of its promises or guidelines was to “prohibit new construction and terminate construction on the great majority of the units already being built”, (Jew Lib.), which compares to the fact that during the Likud policy, the Prime Minister canceled the cessation of construction in territories, and instead expand the settlements (Jew Lib.). This fact could have cause hostile reactions between the Israelis and Palestinians because of the Likud party influencing the intrusion of land that was outside the Jews’ own settlements which the Labor was against. The Labor party believes the Oslo Accords should be followed step by step in order for an equal peace process. “…Their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force”, (Reso. 242), would be an example or goal for the arguments over territorial sovereignty.

Final Status of Jerusalem
The sacred city of Jerusalem should remain under Israeli power and sovereignty because of its importance to the Jewish religion. Jerusalem should be the capital of Israel, but maybe could be shared as a multiple country belonging capital. Meaning, that Jerusalem would be both the capital of Israel but also of Palestine, though there are other cities in the Islamic faith that hold more importance. When the conversion of the sacred city will become all Jewish, “The Palestinian residents of the city will enjoy municipal rights in the quarters in which they reside and special arrangements will be made for the sites sacred to Christianity and Islam”, (Jew Lib.). Though the Israelis would have power over Jerusalem, the Palestinians who live there would have rights inside their own houses, and Israelis would respect the ways of Christianity and Islam where it is needed. Palestinian businesses and other city organizations can still be continued if they recognize the fact that they are under Israeli sovereignty in the city of Jerusalem. Also another idea for the conservation of peace in Jerusalem would be “Preservation of separate residential neighborhoods in the city, in order to prevent unnecessary friction between the Jewish and Arab residents”, (Jew Lib). The Israelis are not looking for violence, they just want sovereignty of Jerusalem and a peaceful, sacred city.

Security
In order for safer territories and less violence, the Palestinians and Israelis need to live in respect of each other and recognize that fact. This is the main theme of many accords and peace agreements because the first step of peace is recognition of each of the two territories and their beliefs. The government should be responsible for the security of the Israeli people and of its territory. Before discussing the elements of a good security strategy, the borders of each of the territories need to be mapped out so these borders could be defended accordingly. “… A high priority on independent research and development in the area of defense and on expanding the manufacture of innovative and sophisticated weaponry and material”, there is a high need of greater knowledge of improving defensive technology. Though weapons might not be the answer, there should be a part of the government or an agency that researches ways in which you can peacefully enforce the security of the population. Because of the Israeli “security barrier”, the number of Israeli casualties has decreased dramatically, and this barrier is preventing further terror attacks, according to Ami Iseroff. In order to keep Israel safe, a crackdown on terrorism and violent acts needs to happen because that is the cause of most of the violence in Israel.

Refugees and Right of Return
Israeli refugees should have the right to come back to their homes while other agreements will be discussed about the status of the other refugees. “Compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property…”(Reso. 194), meaning that, if someone was a refugee, they would be repaid somehow for all of their loses, economically or land wise. “Israel does not recognize the right of return of Palestinians to areas under Israeli sovereignty” (Jew Lib.), meaning that the Palestinians would not be able to return to their homes if it is in an area where the Israelis rule. Negotiations will take place about allowing Palestinian refugees to return to areas that are controlled by Palestine (Jew Lib.) On the subject of soldiers or citizens of Israel who have been taken as POWs and have been MIA in Syria, all of these refugees should be released and the information of their wellbeing and whereabouts should be told to the Israeli government (Jew Lib.). When these refugees arrive home, they should be greeted with a country that is “a democratic, Zionist, and Jewish Stat in which all have the right to live in an atmosphere of tolerance and true equality, (Jew Lib.).

The main goals of the Israeli Labor Party are to find peace through compromises that appeal to both the Israelis and the Palestinians. Though this process is difficult, with the goals and beliefs of the Labor Party, this process of peace will be easier and will take less time.

[Stephanie Collymore]

Stephanie Collymore
Mr. Reich
HHC
November 1, 2005

Opening Statements

I, Ariel Sharon, Israeli Prime Minister and Head of Likud Party, think that it should stay the way it is with West Bank and Gaza being Palestinian. All Israeli settlers will leave those territories and they will entirely be Palestinian. The Israeli forces will withdraw from there and the rule will be entirely Palestinian. They will be able to govern themselves and represent themselves, for example in foreign embassies. “In the final status negotiations at Camp David and Taba, Israel offered to turn over large percentages of land in the West Bank and Gaza, but the areas were to be separated by narrow corridors of Israel control” (Reader, 100). In the end we did compromise to give land to the Palestinians as long as it has narrow corridors or borders that separate both people (reader). This would be very important so that the people are controlled, and so that all people can be safe. " (Montes). Palestinians should govern over and control the West Bank and the Jericho and the remaining land should be governed by Israel. I think we should we stick to the Oslo and the Declaration of Principles agreement, allowing Palestine to create and rules the West Bank and Gaza. We will transfer the power to them, allowing them to govern themselves by creating their laws and own internal force (Bickerton, Israeli-PLO). We will relocate the Israeli settlers currently living in the West Bank and Jericho to different areas within Israel Once the recognition of the two separate states we should be able to create a co-partnership in water, trade, electricity, transportation and finance. We both can benefit from this partnership (Bickerton, Israeli-PLO). Once we get along we will be able to move on and create a better place for us;(Baker). We hope to have the cooperation of all the Israelis “Labor opposes construction of new settlements and the expansion of existing settlements before the final status agreements are reached”, (Jew Lib.), meaning the Israeli population will try to be contained and leave the other lands in which Jews are not inhibiting, to the Palestinians or other countries; (Luscinkas)
Both Palestinians and Israelis should be able to worship in Jerusalem. This should have a large amount of Palestinian and Israeli police force in Jerusalem to maintain the peace and surveillance the activity to stop terrorist attacks. It will still be under Israeli rule, but Palestinians who live there and worship there will have equal rights. “Jerusalem was to have been internationalized under the UN partition plan. Both sides have claims on the eastern side of Jerusalem (Reader, 102). The Likud government will act with vigor to continue Jewish habitation and strengthen Israeli sovereignty in the eastern parts of the city, while emphasizing improvements in the welfare and security of the Arab residents.” (State of Israel, platform); (Montes). AIPAC asked the US legislature to make a law to have Jerusalem be accepted as their capital by “moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.” (Who We Are) So, currently “all official US documents” state that Jerusalem belongs to the Israelis, not the Palestinians. (Who We Are); (Farizan). The city of Jerusalem would also be too difficult to create borders with the city, “Jewish and Arab neighborhoods are closely interwoven and would be hard to separate” (Isseroff, “Nutshell”). Allowing Jerusalem to become international will cut the violence and enable people to share the city; (Baker). The Zionists believe that we can live in peace and share the city as long as it is under Israeli control because of the care and consideration regarding the importance of this city; (Greenstein). “The Palestinian residents of the city will enjoy municipal rights in the quarters in which they reside and special arrangements will be made for the sites sacred to Christianity and Islam”, (Jew Lib.); (Luscinkas)
I think that the security fence should still stay erect. It should be rebuilt so that it won’t be in Palestinian land. It has decreased terrorist attacks a lot. And to put it down would cause the deaths of many Israelis and then Palestinians in turn. It should be kept erect but not be a nuisance to the Palestinians. However, something the Israelis have to give up in order to build this wall is to slowly allow Palestinians in the West Bank to create and be responsible for their own security later on. (Reader, pg. 103) (Farizan). We could be negotiable in letting the Israeli Government continuing building the fence if it stays on the Green Line or Israeli territory (B”Tselem, Human Rights); (Baker)
As all the Israelis are moving out of Gaza and the West Bank, the Palestinian refugees will be able to move back in, and if they do not want to they will be at least compensated for half of what they left behind, for it is there choice for not returning. And those who lost things will be fully compensated for what they left behind. The Israelis don’t want the Palestinians to return because it will cause a Palestinian majority. (Montes). , We agree the Israelis did take there land, however, although that was a long time ago the Israelis will not allow the refugees to come back to their true homes because then there will be more Palestinians than Israelis. (Nutshell, pg. 100); (Farizan). We believe that they should be able to return to their homeland and have settlements within the West Bank and Gaza. We believe that housing should be set up for them, allowing them to regain back their daily lives; (Baker). Zionists believe that a two state solution would be the best way to solve the disagreements in Israel; refugees moving back reverse the process of having an area be settled by all Israelites or all Palestinians. I am willing to pay a small compensation for the refugees, will become refugees, and that the paid refugees are peaceful and cooperative in settling somewhere else. Violence will not be permitted among people whom we are helping, or else they will remain unpaid and homeless because we want to end the cycle of violence; (Greenstein).