Despite denials to the media, there continue to be reports in the Arab media that a deal between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority) will be signed by the end of 2008. A report appearing in Al-Shark, published in the Persian Gulf, states that a deal is close to being signed, a deal that includes Israel permitting the return of 20,000 so-called “Palestinian refugees” into the boundaries of Israel.
 
Other main points of the plan permit the return of tens of thousands of Arabs, 60-80, to return without their children.
 
The agreement also calls for giving a portion of eastern Yerushalayim to the PA to serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.
 
Other Israeli capitulations include Israel will give away 95% of Yehuda and Shomron, with most Jews living in “settlement blocs”. Areas around Yerushalayim will belong to Israel, but in return, the PA will receive additional lands in the Gaza area as well as a large corridor of travel between Gaza and Yehuda and Shomron.
 
The report explains Prime Minster Olmert is ready to sign but Defense Minister Ehud Barak remains opposed to handing over portions of the eastern capital to the PA.
 
Officials in the Prime Minister’s Office continue to deny the reports, stating discussion regarding the future of Yerushalayim has not yet begun.
 
Aides to Abu Mazen refuse to respond officially, but they are quoted in the daily Yisrael HaYom newspaper as saying there is indeed progress in talks with Israel following increased US pressure on the ‘other party’.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)