COGAT CLAIMS IMPROVEMENT IN AMA ISSUES, EXPRESSES

C O N F I D E N T I A L TEL AVIV 004769

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/07/2016
TAGS: PREL ECON KWBG KPAL PTER IS
SUBJECT: COGAT CLAIMS IMPROVEMENT IN AMA ISSUES, EXPRESSES
CONCERNS OVER RAFAH

REF: A) TEL AVIV 4581 B) TEL AVIV 4465

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


1. (C) Summary: PolCouns, EconCouns, and Deputy Consul
General discussed Agreement on Movement and Access issues
with MG Yossef Mishlev (GOI Coordinator of Government
Activities in the Territories - COGAT) on December 7.
Mishlev confirmed that the IDF had lifted age restrictions on
travelers from Nablus and canceled the permit requirement to
use the Wadi Nar checkpoint. He outlined steps to improve
the operation of the Karni crossing and coordination with
Sa'eb Erakat, blaming the Palestinians for delays. Mishlev
claimed that Hamas has smuggled 500 million USD into Gaza
through Rafah this year. Septel covers COGAT's response to
USG efforts to resolve the visa problems facing AmCits in the
West Bank. End summary.

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Improvements in GOI Permit Regime for Palestinians
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2. (C) Mishlev confirmed that the IDF had dropped its age
restrictions on male Palestinians seeking to travel from
Nablus. The IDF is also discussing the removal of some of
the checkpoints near Nablus, but this step is on hold due to
intelligence concerning a suicide bomber attempting to reach
Israel. According to Mishlev, the IDF has lifted the permit
requirement for vehicles crossing through the Wadi Nar
checkpoint (which essentially separates the northern and
southern parts of the West Bank). He claimed that the GOI is
working to improve Palestinian access to the Jordan Valley,
although permits are still limited to
workers/businesspersons, residents, and humanitarian
cases/hajjis.

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GOI Blames Palestinians for Lack of Progress at Karni
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3. (C) Mishlev outlined steps to improve the operation of the
Karni crossing. A conveyer belt for construction aggregates
(capable of transferring 3,000 tons an hour),changes to the
agricultural export guidelines, and installation of a crane
to move empty containers across the border should -- in
COGAT's assessment -- free other areas of the crossing to
handle the current backlog. On December 6, 59 truckloads of
goods entered Israel from Gaza and 200 truckloads went in the
opposite direction. 150 truckloads donated by Turkey and the
World Food Program had recently crossed at Sufa as well.
Mishlev's assistant claimed that U.S. exports to Gaza are not
being delayed at Ashdod port, but acknowledged delays at the
privately-run bonded holding areas outside the harbor.


4. (C) Both Mishlev and senior MOD adviser Haggai Alon
claimed that a "fundamental problem" on the PA side prohibits
greater throughput at Karni. Mishlev said he is working on
the issue with Sa'eb Erakat, who reportedly told him that the
Palestinians "are not ready" to take the steps necessary for
longer operations. Equipment donated by Spain to the
Palestinian security forces and several automobiles listed as
taxis are being blocked by the GOI for security reasons,
although Mishlev added that Erakat is coordinating partial
release of the goods.

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Rafah Crossing: Openings and Hamas Smuggling of Cash
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5. (C) When asked about Rafah, Mishlev said that the GOI is
in contact with Erakat and has agreed to the opening of the
crossing on an intermittent basis -- he mentioned two days a
week -- to facilitate travel by Gazans making the hajj and
others traveling over the December Eid holiday period. He
complained that the unrestricted movement of cash through
Rafah by Hamas couriers works against the international
community's efforts to isolate Hamas. He noted Palestinian
reports that Hamas has smuggled up to 800 million USD into
Gaza, although he estimated that the actual total is closer
to 500 million USD.

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