SETTLEMENTS/FENCE: MOFAZ ANNOUNCES ACCELERATED

C O N F I D E N T I A L TEL AVIV 001163

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAL KWBG IS SETTLEMENTS ISRAELI PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS GOI EXTERNAL
SUBJECT: SETTLEMENTS/FENCE: MOFAZ ANNOUNCES ACCELERATED
TIMETABLE FOR "CONVERGENCE PLAN"

REF: A) TEL AVIV 1065 B) TEL AVIV 0940

Classified By: Ambassador Richard H. Jones; Reasons: 1.4 (B,D)


1. (U) This message contains an action recommendation.
Please see paragraph four.


2. (U) In recent press interviews, DefMin Shaul Mofaz
discussed additional details of -- and an accelerated
timetable for -- Kadima's plan to disengage from parts of the
West Bank and unilaterally establish new borders. Mofaz
reiterated that the GOI prefers to take such steps in
agreement with the Palestinian Authority in a manner
consistent with the Roadmap, but added "if we see that we do
not have a partner, then I think we will need to take our
fate into our own hands and make a decision where it is right
to be and where it is not right to be." He predicted that
the GOI will take unilateral action "with the next two
years," most likely in 2007 after seeking international
support.


3. (SBU) Mofaz said that in pursuit of what Olmert is calling
the "convergence plan," the GOI plans to complete the
separation barrier, evacuate isolated settlements, and
incorporate others into the large settlement blocs.
According to Mofaz, the GOI will retain control over the
Jordan Valley, Maale Adumim, Ariel, Gush Etzion, Qarnei
Shomron, Qedumin, Ofra-Beit El, and Rehan-Shaked. (Note:
This list is nearly identical to the one presented by Kadima
candidate Avi Dichter on March 5. As reported in ref (b),
Dichter included Hebron-Qiryat Arba, but did not mention
Rehan-Shaked. End note). Mofaz also insisted that the GOI
will retain a "free hand" to act militarily in the evacuated
areas.


4. (C) Comment and action recommendation: Olmert and his
advisers have made clear that they intend to implement the
"convergence plan" and have made support for this goal a
condition for other parties joining the post-election
coalition. Olmert told reporters on March 22 that "I have
presented a political plan whose main objective is an attempt
to determine permanent borders for Israel during my term in
office." As noted in ref (a),the outlines of the plan to
annex settlement blocs and set Israel's borders along the
barrier line push -- and in points clearly exceed -- current
U.S. policy and the position on settlements contained in the
President's letter of April 14, 2004. We recommend that the
USG reinforce our views with the next government immediately
after it is formed to avoid any future misunderstandings.
End comment.

********************************************* ********************
Visit Embassy Tel Aviv's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/telaviv

You can also access this site through the State Department's
Classified SIPRNET website.
********************************************* ********************
JONES