A clandestine undertaking on behalf of Israel, the Jets and the Jews.

 
The Settlers' Mistake

A few days ago, Yesha Council leader Pinchas Wallerstein called for massive non-violent civil disobedience in a last-ditch effort to prevent the dismantling of communities in Gaza and northern Samaria.

Regarding the possible outbreak of violence, Wallerstein conceded that massive protests intended to be peaceful could turn ugly. "We are in a situation of damned if I do, and damned if I don't," Wallerstein said.

Even if I supported the Sharon plan - which I don't - I would still want the residents who are being evicted to protest. It's appropriate and necessary, even if it would only in essence be a ritual.

Nevertheless, I fear that the entire approach of the Yesha leadership is faulty. Opposition to withdrawals and destruction of Jewish communities in disputed territory should not primarily be based upon creating fear by showing the costs of those withdrawals. The better strategy would be to try to convince Israelis (and secondarily, in this order, diaspora Jews, America, and the world) that there are benefits to having Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria and for Israel to retain part of that territory. When it comes to places like Maaleh Adumim and Gush Etzion, the overwhelming majority of Israelis are convinced. When it comes to Ariel, a slightly smaller majority is on board. When it comes to places like Hebron and Beit El, most Israelis would like to keep those areas, but are unsure whether and how that would be possible if a Palestinian state is formed and recognized. Other more isolated communities have less support.

More important than protests, the job of the Yesha Council is to advocate for the permanent incorporation of the communities in Judea and Samaria into Israel. They will have an easier time advocating on behalf of certain communities than others, but this is what they need to be doing. Ultimately, if Israelis don't think it's worth keeping a particular community, that community is doomed, even if the perception among the Israeli masses about what can be given up is based on ignorance. In contrast, if Israelis see a particular area as part of Israel, as is the case with Maaleh Adumim, then President Bush's criticisms of construction there is rendered almost moot.
posted on 4/12/2005