- Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has presented a new political
option - unilateral measures that "might include moving settlements."
These declarations might give the impression that Sharon is aware of the
prevailing political situation and the public feeling it has generated,
and that he realizes the limitations of his policies so far. A naive observer
could be led to believe that Sharon is prepared to roll up his sleeves
and lead Israel into a new reality.
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- These would be glad tidings if Sharon were to outline
his plan and clarify the substance of his conditions for promoting the
plan. However, from the prime minister's vague declarations, it is difficult
to comprehend what his true intentions are. At one time, he says a unilateral
solution should be considered only if it is clear the Palestinians are
tripping up the road map.
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- Another time, he talks of possible unilateral steps even
before it becomes obvious the road map is not going to be implemented.
What Sharon does not explain is what exact conditions will lead him to
conclude that the Palestinians are "bringing about the failure"
of the road map, how long he would like to study the success of the road
map, and what Israel's "contribution" might be to the failure
of the road map.
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- Unilateral steps do not necessarily augur well - for
example, the separation fence, which is a unilateral measure that has created
new complications because of the problematic route chosen for its construction.
The prime minister has not clarified what these unilateral steps are that
he is threatening - or promising - to take. If indeed he is talking about
a substantial withdrawal from the territories, dismantling settlements
and not merely make-believe gestures, unmanned outposts, and extending
Palestinian control in the territories from which the army will withdraw,
then why not arrive at understanding and agreement on these points with
the Palestinian government? After all, these steps would in any case be
a partial implementation of the principles of the road map.
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- A declaration of intention to take unilateral steps,
even if sincere, would not leave those who are trying to promote a political
solution to the conflict without concern. In a situation where there is
no recognized or authorized body on the other side of the unilateral border
- which would grant recognition to the move - the unilateral step could
become devoid of significance. In the face of lack of recognition, Israel
could lose the full benefits which appear to be part of a unilateral move.
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- It is also possible that international pressure would
not let up if there are unilateral moves where benefits are not apparent.
From Sharon's statements, one has the impression that he plans to compensate
for "painful concessions" by acts of unilateral annexation, in
order to appease the extremists in his party, the ultra-right parties and
the settlers. Unilateral annexations would merely fan the flames of conflict.
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- These issues give reason for misgivings and skepticism
about the seriousness of the prime minister's intentions. Yet again it
appears that Sharon is using his time-worn phrase "painful concessions"
for tactical purposes - a mere statement that will not be backed by action.
The public in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, as well as Israel's
friends in the world, deserve to hear some concrete ideas from the prime
minister - not mere empty words.
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