BICOM

The Israeli Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), one of Israel’s leading think-tanks, has published a new framework for Israeli-Palestinian talks.

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Yadlin, the head of INSS, said the plan aims to ensure Israel remains a “Jewish, democratic, secure and ethical state,” whilst leaving a window of opportunity open for a resolution to the conflict in the future.

The plan was written by a team led by veteran negotiator Udi Dekel and includes Amos Yadlin, and Gilead Sher, who served as Chief of Staff to then Prime Minister Ehud Barak. The team consulted with senior US administration officials, leaders of Arab states, diplomats and officials involved in previous Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.

The INSS plan envisages an eventual two-state solution through direct negotiation but calls for Israel to take immediate steps for political and territorial separation from the Palestinians. “We can’t wait for a Palestinian messiah to come and make peace with us, because that won’t happen. And we can’t wait for the messiah who will give us a clear Jewish majority from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. We’re doing it ourselves. That’s Zionism,” Yadlin said.

Under the proposal Israel would create a contiguous Palestinian “entity” under the control of the Palestinian Authority (PA), comprising approximately 65 percent of the West Bank. Economic incentives would be provided to improve the living standards of the Palestinians. Israeli settlement blocs would remain part of Israel and continue to expand, whilst construction in isolated settlements would stop. Israel would transfer 25 per cent of Area C to the PA but retain full security access to Palestinian cities and towns in the West Bank. The plan does not address the Gaza Strip or Jerusalem.

Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid, Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni and Education Minister Naftali Bennett spoke at the launch event. Lapid said “Israel’s security will remain in its hands,” adding that its “ability to operate militarily in all territory of the future Palestinian state will be full”.

Livni spoke about the difficulties faced by the left wing camp in its efforts to sell a peace arrangement, saying her support base was “preoccupied with disagreements on the side-lines instead of everyone uniting around the same principles”. Bennett opposed a settlement freeze outside the main blocs and the transfer of Area C to the PA.