Minister of Environmental Affairs (Likud) Ze’ev Elkin feels the PA (Palestinian Authority) is living on borrowed time, calling to begin gradually declaring Israeli sovereignty on areas of Yehuda and Shomron. The minister made his remarks at an assembly calling to “End the Occupation” hosted in Bar Ilan University. Elkin feels discussion of sovereignty over the areas in question does not have to be dependent on the American government.

Elkin adds in the past there have been fears of declaring sovereignty on only portions, for that might have sent a message that Israel is giving up on doing so in the other areas. He feels of late, the right-wing has come to the understanding it is correct to begin the process gradually, citing doing so has advantages.

Elkin realizes that declaring sovereignty requires broad-based support and a public consensus regarding large areas of Yehuda and Shomron as well as in Knesset.

Elkin predicts that the PA will collapse following the rule of Abu Mazen, for he believes the PA has been living on borrowed time. He explains Israel needs a plan as to how Yehuda and Shomron will be ruled following the collapse of the PA for he is certain the collapse is inevitable.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)