Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06JERUSALEM2008
2006-05-17 16:16:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Consulate Jerusalem
Cable title:  

JERUSALEM PLC MEMBER CALLS FOR MORE NUANCE IN

Tags:  PREL PGOV KWBG KPAL KDEM IS 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0008
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHJM #2008 1371616
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 171616Z MAY 06
FM AMCONSUL JERUSALEM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2210
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NSC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 002008 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/LOGERFO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/17/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV KWBG KPAL KDEM IS
SUBJECT: JERUSALEM PLC MEMBER CALLS FOR MORE NUANCE IN
APPROACH TOWARD HAMAS


Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 002008

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/LOGERFO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/17/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV KWBG KPAL KDEM IS
SUBJECT: JERUSALEM PLC MEMBER CALLS FOR MORE NUANCE IN
APPROACH TOWARD HAMAS


Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary. During a May 15 meeting with the Consul
General, Fatah Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member
Bernard Sabella called for more nuance in the international
community's approach toward the new Hamas-led Palestinian
Authority (PA). Sabella agreed that pressure should be
placed on Hamas to accept prior agreements, but pointed out
that the current international approach toward the PA
government has caused serious harm to Palestinians. Sabella
warned that further deterioration in the economic situation
coupled with Israeli PM Olmert's stated intention to proceed
with unilateral measures in the West Bank would further
undermine the USG's standing with Palestinians and the Arab
world. End summary.


2. (C) In an introductory May 15 meeting with the Consul
General, PLC member Bernard Sabella outlined his efforts to
use his position as a legislator to advocate for his
constituency in his Jerusalem district. Sabella said that
his main concern centered on the difficult conditions facing
Palestinians stemming from the construction of the separation
barrier and "draconian" Israeli measures toward Palestinians
inside Jerusalem. He cited as an example the challenges
faced by his constituents in the village of Bir Nabala, north
of Jerusalem, whose residents have been "cut off" from
Jerusalem as a result of the barrier.

Sabella: More 'Balance' Needed
From International Community
--------------


3. (C) Sabella said that Palestinians did not consider the
USG an impartial player in the conflict between Israel and
the Palestinians, a perception reinforced by Israeli PM
Olmert's stated plans to proceed with unilateral measures in
the West Bank. Palestinians would view any Israeli
unilateral moves as having the agreement of the USG. The
Consul General responded that the GOI may be more open to
talking with the Palestinians than previously, and cautioned
against interpreting Olmert's upcoming visit to Washington as
outright support for the Prime Minister's plan.


4. (C) Sabella indicated that Hamas' inability to pay
salaries had placed considerable pressure on Palestinian
families, adding that ordinary things such as a parent giving
pocket money to children had become financially difficult.
In the midst of this crisis, Hamas has sought to blame the
economic hardships on USG and Israeli policies. While
Sabella agreed that Hamas must abide by previous political
agreements, international pressure had to be measured to
avoid punishing Palestinians. He feared that the
deteriorating economic situation would only alienate
Palestinians further from the U.S. The Consul General
responded that the international community sought to pressure
Hamas in a way that did not punish Palestinians. In this
regard, discussions with the EU were ongoing to find a
mechanism to channel assistance to Palestinians while
maintaining pressure on the Hamas-led PA. Sabella agreed
Hamas had to accept responsibility for the welfare of all
Palestinians.

Palestinian Christians
--------------


5. (C) Sabella, a practicing Roman Catholic who has
written extensively on the Palestinian Christian community,
said that greater efforts are needed to convince the younger
generation to remain in the West Bank. He expressed concern
that Hamas' Islamic orientation would silence the more
moderate elements in the Palestinian community. The Consul
General noted that this is a concern for the USG as well.
Sabella expressed interest in speaking to future USG visitors
regarding the status of Christians in the West Bank.

WALLES