(Jerusalem Post) Yossi Melman - Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman unveiled a new policy toward Palestinians in the West Bank on Wednesday based on the "carrot and stick" model: economic benefits for families and villages that have not produced terrorists and harsher punishment for those areas from which terrorists originate. "Its purpose is to continue to give benefits to those who desire co-existence with us and make life difficult for those who seek to harm Jews....Anyone who is prepared for co-existence will prosper, while those who opt for terrorism will lose." Areas that will benefit immediately include Beit Sahur, where a hospital will be built; western Nablus, where an industrial zone will be built; and Kafr Bidia, where a soccer field will be built. Infrastructure plans will also be expanded in Kalkilya, Hableh and Izbat Tabib, and an economic corridor will be opened from Jericho to Jordan. One of the key elements of the plan involves holding talks with Palestinian figures without the approval of the Palestinian Authority. Lieberman noted that PA officials speak to all parts of Israeli society, while Israel holds talks only with PA officials or those who have received the approval of the PA. "Our goal is to create a dialogue with anyone who wants to talk to us."
2016-08-18 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive