Subject: Israel News: June 22 - 23, 1998 (Jerusalem Post) Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 00:00:44 +0000 To: "Arutz-7 List"<heb_roots_chr@geocities.com>
Monday, June 22, 1998 28 Sivan 5758 Jerusalem Post - Internet Edition PM RAPS ALBRIGHT By JAY BUSHINSKY JERUSALEM (June 22) - Rejecting foreign criticism of his government's plan to transform Jerusalem into "a 21st-century metropolis," Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu yesterday singled out US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Netanyahu accused Albright of jumping to hasty conclusions instead of "checking with me first." He told a news conference, held shortly after the administrative expansion won the cabinet's unanimous approval, that "this is not a change of status from the political standpoint." He said he was "astounded" by the negative foreign reactions, describing them as "empty balloons." Referring to the American reaction, Netanyahu said he hopes his discussion with Albright succeeded in clarifying Israel's position. He went on to say that on Thursday he conferred with US Ambassador Edward Walker about the destruction of illegal housing in Jerusalem, regardless of whether it is built by Jews or Arabs, and that the subject of the metropolitan plan did not come up - despite the fact that it was first broached in the cabinet on Tuesday. The plan would annex some land around Jerusalem and create a "Greater Jerusalem" via an umbrella municipality that would coordinate administrative powers with nearby towns. The towns mentioned in the plan include Givat Ze'ev and Ma'aleh Adumin in the territories, as well as Mevasseret Zion and other towns inside the Green Line. The exact areas to be covered, the responsibilities of the umbrella authority, and who would have the right to vote in Jerusalem municipal elections are yet to be determined. The next step is for the Interior Ministry to prepare a detailed plan for both the annexation and the creation of the umbrella authority. The plan is to be submitted to the cabinet after the first of August and to the Knesset when it reconvenes in September. Interior Minister Eli Suissa met last night with Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert for preliminary discussions on the plan's details, according to Israel Radio. Albright told Netanyahu on Friday that his announced expansion plans for Jerusalem were being viewed "as something that was not helpful to the peace process," Albright said in an interview yesterday on NBC's Meet the Press. Netanyahu "clarified" his intentions as being municipal in nature, she said. However, when asked about yesterday's cabinet decision, Albright said that "anything that is done at this point on something that is a final-status issue cannot really be helpful when we are in a period... of very intensive and constructive dialogue" to restart the peace process. "Right now, there are talks going on in a variety of levels," Albright said. "I've said this many times: that unilateral acts of any kind at this point do not help." Olmert, who shared the podium with Netanyahu, justified the idea of incorporating several of the towns on the city's western periphery into a single super-municipality on the grounds that "there is no justification for so many local councils and their respective bureaucracies and budgets." On the other hand, he stressed that only those communities which have land reserves on which housing can be built will be annexed. He excluded Mevasseret Zion from this category and said he did not intend to annex it. Netanyahu accused the Palestinian Authority of whipping up overseas opinion against the scheme, implying that this was done in retaliation for Israel's successful campaign to thwart its attempt to win UN recognition of its purported status as a "virtual state." "We are not trying to unravel the Oslo Accords," he went on. But he charged that the PA not only violated them by its abortive UN initiative, but also by trying to infiltrate its security personnel into the city and setting up offices as well. Netanyahu insisted that there is no political significance to the plan's timing. Originally, he had intended to present it in conjunction with the annual Jerusalem Day festivities, but it was impossible to prepare it by then, he said. Having won Finance Minister Yaakov Neeman's support from the outset, Netanyahu said an initial allocation of NIS 340 million had been earmarked for the project "without requiring any alteration of the national budget. The purpose is to attract thousands of young people to Jerusalem by enabling them to buy apartments and providing suitable places of public entertainment," he said. At the same time, the underlying objective is to expand Jerusalem's industrial base by introducing more high-tech firms and "turning it into Israel's Silicon Valley," he said. Declaring that the plan's benefits would accrue to the city's Arabs as well as to its Jews, Netanyahu said his government is "the first" to invest in Jerusalem's eastern [Arab] neighborhoods. "Go there and take a look," he told the journalists. "You'll see the new streets and sidewalks and all the other improvements." Another of the plan's goals, he said, is to "develop and protect" the city's sites associated with Jewish history. Asked if its Christian and Moslem sites would be given similar treatment, he replied in the affirmative. Olmert came to his aid, noting that the municipality had invested in the Garden of Gethsemane and that the overriding purpose is to make these places attractive to tourists. The cabinet communique was unequivocal about the implications of its decision. It said the main components would "enlarge Jerusalem's area of jurisdiction, establish an 'umbrella municipality' around Jerusalem, streamline services in the expanse of Jerusalem, and encourage science-oriented industries in Jerusalem." Netanyahu was quoted as having told the ministers that, "there was no basis for the condemnation of Israel because of this plan. Israel is working for the strengthening of Jerusalem. No one is talking about changing Jerusalem's political status, and there is no addition of territory on the east of the city, but on its west." He expressed hope that "Israeli elements" were not encouraging the Palestinians to assail Israel on this issue. "This is a blessed thing which raises Jerusalem to the top of the government's priorities," he said. (Elli Wohlgelernter and Hillel Kuttler contributed to this report.) *********************************************************************** Monday, June 22, 1998 28 Sivan 5758 Jerusalem Post - Internet Edition PA WARNS OF HARSH RESPONSE TO JERUSALEM PLAN By STEVE RODAN RAMALLAH (June 22) - The Palestinian Authority yesterday warned of a harsh Palestinian reaction to the government's plan to expand Jerusalem. PA officials described the plan as a declaration of war against Palestinian residents of Jerusalem that places them under siege and confiscates dozens of square kilometers in the West Bank. They said the PA would recruit international pressure to annul the government program. Planning Minister Nabil Shaath said last night that the PA had filed a complaint to the UN Security Council over Israel setting up an umbrella authority for greater Jerusalem, Itim reported. PA Chairman Yasser Arafat's adviser Nabil Abu Rudeineh said he condemned the cabinet decision to expand the authority of Jerusalem's municipality to include planning to the east and north of the city. "It's a new attempt to finish the peace process and to torpedo US efforts to rescue the peace process," he said. "It's provocative, uncalled for, and a dangerous violation of the [peace] accords." "Jerusalem is entering a period of siege in the full sense of the word," said Palestinian Legislative Council member Ziad Abu Zayyad. "What is happening in Jerusalem is an historical crime against the Arabs and Moslems." PA officials charged that the Israeli plan is meant to stretch Jerusalem's borders to include "up to 10 percent of the entire West Bank, expanding the city to six times its current size to encompassing 600 square kilometers." Abdullah Abdullah, director of the PA's Geographic Center, said the plan is not new and seeks to include many more Jewish residents in an attempt to alter the demography of Jerusalem, which is now seeing a huge increase in the Arab population. He called on the PA to establish what he termed "clear programs to significantly increase the number of Palestinian residents in east Jerusalem." Faisal Husseini, who holds the Jerusalem portfolio in the PA, warned that the plan would lead to Palestinian violence in the city and endangers what little is left of the peace process. News agencies add: Egypt yesterday criticized the plan, calling it an "aggression on the peace process." "The matter has become a new Israeli policy, to make its occupation firm and [to] torpedo the peace process entirely," Foreign Minister Amr Moussa told reporters. "We ask the Israeli government to review this policy that forms an aggression on the peace process," Moussa said. Jordan described cabinet approval of the plan as "provocative." "We ask the Israeli government to stop these anti-peace measures, that hinder the peace process," Jordanian Foreign Minister Jawad Anani said. "These measures create an explicit offensive for the occupied Palestinian lands and infringe the accords and agreements that Israel has signed." The European Union said it is concerned the plan would complicate the peace process. Britain, which currently holds the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union, issued a statement on behalf of the EU. "We are concerned at the Israeli government's endorsement of plans which will alter the demographic balance in the Jerusalem area," it said. "The European Union has repeatedly called for a halt to unilateral activity in Jerusalem. The plans currently under discussion would complicate the peace process at a very sensitive time." (Mohammed Najib contributed to this report.) ********************************************************************** Monday, June 22, 1998 28 Sivan 5758 Jerusalem Post - Internet Edition GOVERNMENT TO DISCUSS PULLOUT REFERENDUM By DAN IZENBERG and news agencies JERUSALEM (June 22) - Government representatives are due to meet today in the office of Justice Minister Tzahi Hanegbi to consider a proposed referendum on the question of a second redeployment. Interior Minister Eli Suissa, Communications Minister Limor Livnat, Attorney-General Elyakim Rubinstein and officials of the Prime Minister's Office, the Justice Ministry and the Interior Ministry have been invited to attend. The participants will discuss the experiences of other countries with plebiscites and the length of time it will take, and how much it will cost, to hold one. "The committee will research the experiences other countries have had with referendums, a time frame for such a vote, and the budgetary requirements involved," said Justice Ministry spokeswoman Etty Eshed. Asked yesterday at a press conference about the chances of a referendum, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said: "I am giving it very serious consideration, but I have not yet decided on the matter." A senior government official conceded that the referendum idea has become "much more serious." He noted that Netanyahu has asked Livnat to draw up a detailed proposal of how it might work. Responding to Netanyahu's plans to hold a referendum, MK Michael Kleiner (Gesher) - who is chairman of the Land of Israel Front, which opposes a further redeployment - said yesterday he would support the move only if the referendum is carried out by ballots. Kleiner, who claims to have initiated the idea of a plebiscite, said a referendum carried out electronically or via telephones would lead to widespread abuse and false figures. He said he will set the wheels in motion to enforce a law that will demand a 75-percent majority in order for the referendum to pass. He recalled that similar steps were used by former French president Charles DeGaulle when he carried out a referendum to return Algeria. "Today we are on the verge of making a decision to withdraw that will lead to war in May 1999," he said. Political sources from both Labor and Likud said Netanyahu's campaign adviser, American Arthur Finkelstein, is behind the decision to hold a referendum on the pullback. Netanyahu reportedly consulted Finkelstein on the issue several days ago, and Finkelstein's top aide was reported to be in Jerusalem for this purpose. Sources in the Prime Minister's Office said the aide is here to advise Netanyahu on the Likud's campaign for its candidate for Tel Aviv mayor, Doron Rubin. But senior political sources said it would be safe to assume Finkelstein's exorbitantly expensive services would not be engaged merely for the local campaign, especially on the eve of the pullout when Netanyahu may fear for the future of his coalition. (Jay Bushinsky, Margot Dudkevitch, and Michal Yudelman contributed to this report.) *********************************************************************** Tuesday, June 23, 1998 29 Sivan 5758 Jerusalem Post - Internet Edition MINISTERS DIVIDED OVER HOLDING REFERENDUM By DAN IZENBERG, MICHAL YUDELMAN, and LIAT COLLINS JERUSALEM (June 23) -- The government appeared divided yesterday over holding a referendum on implementing the second pullback, and if so, what kind of referendum would be conducted. The Prime Minister's Office said that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu had not yet decided "on the details of a referendum," Itim reported. Justice Minister Tzahi Hanegbi and Communications Minister Limor Livnat yesterday recommended holding an "advisory" referendum whose outcome would not legally bind the government or the Knesset, the two said. Trade and Industry Minister Natan Sharansky, meanwhile, supports a binding referendum, as does Education Minister Yitzhak Levy, noting this is the National Religious Party's traditional stance on matters concerning territorial compromise. However, Levy's party colleague, Transport Minister Shaul Yahalom, expressed strong opposition to the referendum idea, as did Agriculture Minister Rafael Eitan, who wants early elections. Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai said he has more questions than answers concerning the idea. "I don't know what a public referendum is: How it is carried out; in what time frame; what it costs; whether it is necessary?" Mordechai said. "I think the main thing is to preserve the momentum in the progress of the negotiations with the Palestinians; that the Palestinians will do what they promised." Roman Bronfman (Yisrael Ba'aliya), who heads the forum of moderates in the coalition, said the plebiscite would be an attempt to postpone the redeployment. Beyond the coalition, the referendum idea was attacked by both President Ezer Weizman and opposition leaders, headed by Labor Party chairman Ehud Barak. Weizman doubted the point of holding a referendum, because the debate on the pullout is not over and the main issue will be the final-status agreement. "The pullback is not a completed thing, and I don't know if one can hold a referendum on a partial issue. I have doubts," he said. Weizman noted if the referendum contributes to the peace process, he would not object, "but if I see it's a way to waste time, I won't be pleased." Labor MKs said the idea is a delaying tactic and predicted it would be wasteful. "Only a sleepwalking government can take a question to which the answer is as clear as day, and throw away NIS 100 million on a referendum," Barak said. He added that the only referendum needed is on the government's continued term - elections. He called on the government to "stop hiding behind gimmicks and advisory referendums and embarrassing delaying tactics and face the public with its policy - or rather lack of policy - in elections." Hanegbi, however, said: "Even though it would only be advisory, this type of referendum would have a profound influence [on MKs]." "The government would not be able to ignore its results. The positive thing about it is that it can be carried out in a relatively tolerable amount of time, it involves the six million citizens of Israel in the decision, and it will soften the raging disputes which we are bound to face following the government's dramatic decision," he said. Government officials estimated it would be possible to hold the referendum within two months of passage of the law and that it would cost NIS 100 million, excluding campaign costs. Hanegbi and Livnat explained that members of the public would be asked to vote "yes" or "no" on the question of whether they approve of the agreement reached by the government on the second redeployment. After the results of the referendum are in, the Knesset would be asked to vote on the redeployment agreement; that vote would be binding. "This is not a stalling tactic," Livnat said. "Everyone must understand that we don't want such a decision to be made by a one-vote majority." Labor MK Shimon Peres said he does not understand the reason for a referendum since it is known the majority of the people support the pullout. Other Labor MKs also blasted the proposal. "It's an absurd, ridiculous and strange creature," said MK Dalia Itzik. Haggai Merom was the only Labor MK to come out in support of a referendum, which he said is a useful constitutional instrument, especially since the Knesset does not reflect the public's will. Steve Rodan adds: Palestinian Authority Secretary-General Ahmed Abdul Rahman said he regards the idea as an attempt by the Netanyahu government to avoid honoring its commitment to further redeployment and to gain time to expand settlements. ********************************************************************** Tuesday, June 23, 1998 29 Sivan 5758 Jerusalem Post - Internet Edition Weizman: Netanyahu misled me claiming 2nd pullback was sealed By MICHAL YUDELMAN JERUSALEM (June 23) -- President Ezer Weizman yesterday lashed out at the government, criticizing it for its handling of the economy, the peace process, and the referendum and complaining that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu misled him about the second pullback. At a breakfast with Netanyahu a week and a half ago, Weizman was given to understand that the pullback was a done deal to be implemented by mid-June, the President said. After that he had urged Labor Party leader Ehud Barak to provide Netanyahu with a parliamentary safety net and to persuade Arab leaders to support the move. Today, he said he understands the pullback is not close. "I have reasons to be disappointed with the way the peace process is conducted. The peace process is mired down and limping, and the economy is stuck together with it," Weizman told a group of Labor MKs at a meeting initially called to discuss a parliamentary safety net for the pullout agreement. Explaining his refusal to speak at the Zichron Ya'acov economic conference as scheduled on Sunday, Weizman said he had agreed to speak a month or two ago, when he had grounds to believe the peace process would advance, but his expectations were thwarted. Had he spoken at the conference, he said, his address would have been angry, so he decided to cancel it. "One of the things which hurt me and angered me the most was that they've taken the joy out of the peace process," Weizman said. "All my life I've dealt with economy, security, and peace, and I am convinced you cannot sever the economy from the general peace policy. Today, the peace is limping, and the economy along with it." Weizman said Israel's economy started to flourish "after we signed peace with Egypt, shook [Yasser] Arafat's hand, and made peace with Jordan. The doors of the world opened to us and investments started pouring in. Today there's a recession, growing unemployment, a drastic reduction in investments." Weizman said he did not know whether the safety net is relevant at this stage, but expressed belief that Labor would support the pullback if and when it is presented to the Knesset. The MKs attending the meeting were Yossi Beilin, Haggai Merom, Ophir Pines, Rafik Haj-Yihia, Eitan Cabel, and Rafi Elul. The prime minister's bureau would not comment on Weizman's statements. ************************************************************************