Speaking to members of the diplomatic corps on Sunday 4 Shevat 5774, Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman explained he will not support any peace agreement with the PA (Palestinian Authority) that does not include a land and population swap. He explains this is a prerequisite to any agreement and he is making this clear to the international community.

The foreign minister explains he is referring to “The Triangle and Wadi Ara”. He stresses “this is not transfer for no one will have to leave or be removed from their homes.” The plan calls for moving the border of that area, which is predominately Israeli Arab, to the sovereignty of the PA. He speaks of moving the border over towards the direction of Highway 6.

The foreign minister admits he has little trust in the PA but he does support an agreement, one that would shift the Israeli Arab citizens to become residents of the PA while areas of Yehuda and Shomron will remain under Israeli sovereignty.

Lieberman did not spare words of praise for the shuttle diplomacy efforts of US Secretary of State John Kerry, “who worked tiredly around the clock” he added. The senior minister also stressed the PA’s need to recognize Israel as the home of the Jewish People, a recognition that PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) insists will not be forthcoming.

Lieberman, who is perceived as the right-wing hawk, took many by surprise with his pragmatic approach, so much so that President Shimon Peres, who attended the event, said to him jokingly “It’s unfair that you have taken my role as the mature responsible one”.

Lieberman feels that by shifting the large Israeli Arab population to the new State of Palestine Israel will have made a major step towards alleviating the demographic issue of the growing Arab population.

Arab MKs including Dr. Ahmed Tibi have labeled the plan a “non-starter” and “racist”, insisting it will never occur. Tibi does however feel Jews must be displaced from their homes in all areas that are viewed as “Israeli occupied”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)