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Applying Israeli Law in Judea and Samaria - Not an Illegal Step | Israel today

2020-06-16T11:40:28.085Z


After the Ramallah leadership rejected the vision of peace even before it was published, they should not have the right to veto what is happening on the ground • Opinion | Political-political


The UAE ambassador's article over the weekend could undermine the Trump administration's efforts to apply sovereignty - but it is important to emphasize that this is an Israeli decision only • After Ramallah's leadership rejected the vision of peace even before it was published, they should not have the right to veto what is happening in this area.

On Friday, UAE ambassador to the U.S. wrote Yusuf al-Otaiba an article in an Israeli newspaper. I worked for three years in the White House to bring Israel and its Arab neighbors closer to one another, and although the ambassador's article may undermine my efforts and the Trump administration , I positively thank Othiba for writing the article.

I'm glad he spoke directly to an Israeli audience. Beyond that, his article is well-written and lacks the hysterics and robotic comments that are frequently seen by diplomats and politicians talking about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Photo: White House spokeswomen

To put it this way: I strongly object to parts of the Ambassador's article. For example, I do not agree that the application of Israeli sovereignty to the parts under consideration by this measure would be the illegal taking of land. The United States government also believes as I do, which is why President Donald Trump's vision of peace allows this idea.

Personally I support during, but my personal opinion is irrelevant. I am not an Israeli. The decision to move toward implementing the move must be made by the democratically elected Israeli government. I strongly oppose the use of the term "Palestinian Territory". This is not a Palestinian territory, it is a controversial area, and the only way to resolve this dispute is if both parties reach the negotiating table and try to reach a settlement together and directly.

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But we failed to reach such a situation, and this is one of the main reasons we formulated the vision of peace in the way it was drafted. The Palestinian leadership, in a way that is unrecognizable, is split between Ramallah and the bloodthirsty terrorists sponsored by Iran in Gaza, who put about two million Palestinians under oppression and cause great suffering to Palestinians and Israelis.

But the Ramallah leadership rejected Trump's vision of peace before it was even published. In fact, she repeatedly rejected the plans and ideas that previous American governments put on the table. Our view is that the Ramallah leadership should not have the right to veto what is happening in this area and what is happening to Israelis living there.

But to protect the Palestinians, we gave them an extended period - four years - during which they could reform, so that they too could receive all the benefits that the vision of peace indicates. After hours and hours of discussions in Arab capitals for more than three years, I have come to the conclusion that we agree much more than disagree.

I also know that friends and allies can be in contention for important things, and that the UAE is an ally and important member of the United States. In the end, the UAE has a right to do what is best for her and to act according to what she believes in. As I respect Israel's right to make its own decisions (including the decision discussed by the ambassador's article), so I respect the right of the UAE to make its decisions.

As noted in the ambassador's article, the UAE has made some drastic changes in recent years regarding Israel and the Jewish community thanks to the leadership and strong vision of His Excellency, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Zayed. He is a pragmatic, thoughtful and tolerant leader whose intentions are to unify the region and move forward in a positive direction.

If Israel chooses to step forward with regard to the application of Israeli law in the various regions, I hope that significant progress in relations between Israel and the UAE will continue. This progress is important for the region for so many reasons, including security.

It is not to be forgotten that last January, Al-Otaiba, along with the Omani and Bahraini ambassadors, came to the White House to participate in unveiling Trump's vision of peace. I have tremendous respect for them because of this historic step. They applauded many points at the event and also received a warm welcome and warm welcome from those present.

The applause and warm welcome towards them should continue. They did not agree with everything contained in the vision (in fact they probably did not like much of it), but they nevertheless came to support us. I hope the UAE continues to develop the "Abrahamic Family Home". This is a complex where a mosque, a church and a synagogue are expected. I'll probably be excited when I get there and pray with my tefillin like I did in Bahrain a year ago.

Despite our great disagreement on certain issues, I will never be grateful that certain capitals in the leadership area have always been willing to hold candid and honest discussions, and in some cases surprising. We all recognize that the road to peace is extremely complicated and difficult. The whole area is complicated. But these tough discussions and debates, including the topics included in Joseph's article, must take place in order for us to move forward significantly.

Jason D. Greenblatt served as an adviser to President Trump and his special envoy for international negotiation.

Source: israelhayom

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