
‘Laissez faire’ to the Arabs
The Arabs are not only not a “fair game”, the Israeli prime minister is now warning that he will “suffer” if he doesn’t find a way to ease their grip on the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Netanyahu is to visit the Arab country on Saturday.
The two sides will discuss ways to resolve the Palestinian issue in peace talks that are expected to take place in the coming weeks.
Netanyahu’s visit comes amid a series of announcements by Israeli authorities to limit or eliminate the use of Palestinian property in settlements.
He is to unveil plans to establish a network of Palestinian farmers, with the aim of reducing dependence on foreign markets.
He will also launch a drive to establish Palestinian ownership in land and water resources.
“It is important that we keep the Arabs happy,” Netanyahu said.
“The Arabs don’t need to worry about the situation they are living in.”
The Palestinians want land in their own territory, including the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, but the Israelis say that’s not possible because of the 1967 border between the territories.
They also demand an end to the occupation and a demilitarised Palestinian state.
Israel’s decision to limit the amount of land it holds in the West