Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05TELAVIV6396
2005-11-08 15:36:00
SECRET
Embassy Tel Aviv
Cable title:  

RAMON SUPPORTS WEST BANK-GAZA RAIL LINK AS AN

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
S E C R E T TEL AVIV 006396 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/2015
TAGS: ECON IS KWBG PREL ISRAELI PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS GAZA DISENGAGEMENT
SUBJECT: RAMON SUPPORTS WEST BANK-GAZA RAIL LINK AS AN
INTERIM STEP

Classified By: Ambassador Richard H. Jones for reasons 1.4 (b,d).

S E C R E T TEL AVIV 006396

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/2015
TAGS: ECON IS KWBG PREL ISRAELI PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS GAZA DISENGAGEMENT
SUBJECT: RAMON SUPPORTS WEST BANK-GAZA RAIL LINK AS AN
INTERIM STEP

Classified By: Ambassador Richard H. Jones for reasons 1.4 (b,d).


1. (S) In a November 8 meeting, Minister without Portfolio
Haim Ramon confirmed to Ambassador Jones that the GOI would
accept the initiation of a technical feasibility study for
what the GOI prefers to call a "transportation connection"
between Gaza and the West Bank. Ramon presented proposed
terms of reference that provided for the study of the
"technical, financial and infrastructure aspects of such a
link," but excluded consideration of anything of "a political
nature, such as allocation of rights and responsibilities,
and legal and other arrangements as well as security
considerations." Ramon said that security, operations, and
implementation of the plan would be subject to direct
negotiations between the GOI and the PA. The terms include a
study of a rail link, which he described as possibly using
existing tracks with an additional spur connecting Erez and
Tarkumiya. USAID will initiate the study immediately.


2. (S) According to Ramon, the use of convoys to establish
the Gaza - West Bank link would come first, to be followed by
a rail link as an interim solution. Finally, the terms allow
for a study of a tunnel link, which Ramon described as the
ultimate preferred Israeli option. The railway option is
expected to be faster and cheaper than a tunnel, said Ramon,
but political considerations make the tunnel the best
long-term choice for the Israelis. The railway is technically
and bureaucratically the fastest option because of existing
tracks and the fact that it already has the approval of the
Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and various ministries. Ramon
stated that the construction of a railroad could start
tomorrow and be completed quickly because the necessary
rights of way are secured and provided it is routed through
the proper terrain.


3. (S) Ramon also reported that negotiations on a seaport
for Gaza would begin next week with PA Civil Affairs Minister
Dahlan representing the Palestinians. The Peres staff has
been in touch with the French and Dutch about funding the
project and are aware that a letter of guarantee from the GOI
to the EU guaranteeing both the construction of the port and
its ability to function would be necessary for any government
to risk building it. Ramon also confirmed the acceptance of
a third party role at the port. His comments on the
political situation in the wake of the Likud rebels blocking
Sharon's ministerial appointments are reported septel.

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