(Analyst's note: It is extremely troubling that the U.S. is now demanding Israel carve up Jeruselem as a precondition for talks with the Palestinians ahead of any negotiations. The U.S. demands shown here in this article are stunning. The arrogance on the part of Mr. Obama is unparalleled in the free-world.)
 President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House |
According to sources in both the PA and in the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Obama administration has demanded the following from Israel as "confidence-building gestures" toward the Palestinians ahead of any negotiations:
- That Israel scale back roadblocks and checkpoints in the strategic West Bank to near the levels of such measures prior to the Palestinian intifada, which started in September 2000. Israel says roadblocks and checkpoints are crucial security measures in stopping terrorist attacks.
- That Israel release about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
- That Israel ease its siege of the Hamas
-controlled Gaza Strip. The siege applies only to materials that Israel believes will be used by Hamas to enhance its military apparatus. Basic foods, medicine, supplies and even monetary exchange flows into Gaza regularly.
- That Israel turn over to the PA full control of key West Bank cities that are currently under security control of Israel due to threats. The demand includes what are known as areas B and C. B, as defined by the 1993 Oslo Accords, encompasses cities administered by the PA but patrolled by Israel. C comprises cities under full Israeli control.
WND has learned that as part of its demands, the Obama administration is asking Israel to transfer to the PA the town of Abu Dis, a largely Arab neighborhood in eastern Jerusalem that borders key Jerusalem roadways and is home to about 12,000 residents. Some Arab homes in the neighborhood are built illegally on Jewish-owned land.
Netanyahu is said to strongly oppose the demand, arguing that only negotiations can determine the future borders of Jerusalem.
The demand, if enacted, would be unprecedented for any previous Israeli-Palestinian talks. The Jewish state has never been asked to withdraw from any Jerusalem territory in exchange for starting negotiations.
Sources in Netanyahu's office told WND that any change of the status quo in Abu Dis would signal that Israel is willing to forfeit the strategic neighborhood.
The officials said that while former Prime Minister Ehud Barak discussed the neighborhood in talks with late-PLO Leader Yasser Arafat, later negotiations under Prime Minister Ehud Olmert did not come to any conclusion.
"They are asking us to go beyond what Olmert started, and this would only be as a precondition for further talks," said a source in Netanyahu's office of the U.S. demand.
Already as a "confidence-building gesture," Netanyahu, acting under heavy U.S. pressure, in November announced a 10-month halt to all Jewish construction in the West Bank in an attempt to jumpstart talks aimed at creating a PA-led state
The Obama administration is also demanding a total halt to all Jewish construction in eastern Jerusalem as a precondition to jumpstart talks. Netanyahu has refused an official freeze; however, almost no new Jewish construction in eastern Jerusalem has been approved since last month.
Meanwhile, the PA has not been asked to make any major gestures to Israel to jumpstart talks. The U.S. has not demanded the PA recognize Israel as a Jewish state.
Previous stories:
U.S. promises Arabs no more Jewish construction
Unprecedented: U.S. bargaining on behalf of Palestinians
Shock claim: Obama encouraged Palestinian 'resistance'
U.S. Jewish group demands apology from Hillary
Americans condemn Obama's rudeness, reach out to Israel
Obama's policies slammed as 'racist'
The eyes of Obama are everywhere – even on Temple Mount
Jews to world: 'Help non-Muslims pray on Temple Mount'
Temple Mount riots part of Arab agenda?
Obama's policies helped spark Temple Mount riots?
What Temple? Fatah says 'only a Muslim holy site'
Jewish tourists attacked in Temple Mount clashes
Did Obama call on Israel to vacate Temple Mount?
Obama working against Israel on Capitol Hill?
'Obama can create headache for Netanyahu'
Netanyahu pardons terrorists who killed Israelis
Netanyahu not extreme on Jewish construction
American government website 'ignores Jews'
U.S. summons Israeli ambassador again
Netanyahu to U.S.: Israel will govern itself, thank you
Media misleading on Jews evicting Arabs from Jerusalem
U.S. 'partner' defends 'right' to resist Israeli 'occupation'
'Peace partner' boasts: We never recognized Israel
'Peace partner' affirms right to 'resistance'
'Peace partner' set to affirm 'resistance' against Israel
Obama backtracks from support for Israel 'growth'
Hamas sees 'signals' Obama will talk
'Differences in approach' between Obama, Netanyahu
Has Obama cut off information to Israel?
Obama will 'quickly' give Palestinians state
Obama's plan for Mideast peace: Strip Israel bare
Obama officials working against Netanyahu?
'Obama assassination plot halted'
Hamas: We're counting on Obama's 'change'
Obama official wants talks with terrorists
'Deep concern' Obama ready to talk to Hamas
Hillary: U.S. funds won't reach Hamas
Israel worried Obama may cut aid
Hamas: Kerry's visit 'big sign' U.S. will engage
Israeli warning to Obama: Your talk gives Iran nukes
Obama to protest Jewish construction
