Among senior state officials expressing opposition to Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s Land/Population Swap Plan is Finance Minister Yair Lapid. Lieberman feels that part of any final status agreement signed with the PA (Palestinian Authority) must include shifting the border in the Nachal I’ron (Wadi Ara) area so the predominately Israeli Arab area will become part of the State of Palestine. Israel will receive additional areas in Yehuda and Shomron in return. Lieberman feels this is an effective and necessary component of addressing demographic concerns as well.
Lapid however rejects the plan, insisting the residents of the predominately Arab municipalities are Israeli citizens. Lapid told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) that Israel cannot evict citizens. He added that one of the results of a final status agreement with the PA must be recognition by the international community and the latter would not approve such a move, compelling citizens of the nation to become citizens of the new Arab state. Clearly, for Lapid and those like him, it is not about being Jewish but being Israeli.
Regarding the ongoing negotiations between Israel and the PA, Lapid stated the process is a most serious one that demands regarding it as such. He agrees “we must rid ourselves of the Palestinians for the current situation threatens the future of Israel as a Jewish State…” but Lapid does not feel this should include Israeli Arabs.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
“Israel cannot evict citizens”?! hahaha that’s good one Mr. lapid! oh wait, you were serious? so you must mean that Israel cannot evict ARAB citizens — because you have no problem kicking Jewish citizens out of their houses and towns!