HOMESH LEADER SHOT DEAD

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 002430 SIPDIS SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE. NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/WATERS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/21/2017 TAGS: KWBG PBTS PREL PHUM IS SUBJECT: HOMESH LEADER SHOT DEAD Classified By: Acting Principal Officer, Thomas M. Duffy, per reasons 1 .4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Many settlers are linking the November 19 killing of Ido Zoldan, a 28-year old settler activist, with the upcoming Annapolis meeting. Karnei Shomron settlers told PolOff November 21 that Annapolis is a dangerous mistake, because Palestinians will not act responsibly and "we are here to stay." Many settlers say the "removal of checkpoints and release of prisoners" are to blame for the murder. END SUMMARY Settler Reactions: GoI to Blame; Annapolis Links -------------- ¶2. (C) Settlers have reacted strongly to the November 19 murder of 28 year old settler Ido Zoldan, a leader in the effort to re-establish Homesh, a Northern West Bank hilltop settlement that the GOI evacuated in 2005. According to local press, 1000 attended the funeral in Kedumim, and many of the eulogies blamed the GoI for the death. Samaria Council Chairman Benzi Lieberman and Kedumim Mayor Daniella Weiss told PolOff they could not see him, because they are mourning Zoldan's death and would be at the funeral. According to press reports, Weiss eulogized Zoldan saying, "Physically, his death was caused by the weapon of an Arab murderer - the person guilty of his death is Ehud Olmert." ¶3. (C) Spokesman for the Hebron settlers David Wilder told PolOff by phone that he knew Zoldan and Zoldan's father, who owns Kedumim 3000, a large settlement construction firm, and that Zoldan's murder was related to Annapolis. Karnei Shomron settlers told PolOff November 20 that recent "gestures" on roadblocks and prisoners by the GoI in the run up to Annapolis were to blame for the murder. (Note: There have been no prisoner releases, and Post has confirmed the removal of almost no obstacles to access and movement. End Note.) ¶4. (C) Local press reports that a faction of al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade claimed responsibility for the shooting. According to the settlers, the IDF established checkpoints along Route 55 near where the shooting occurred. They said settler youth in the area might ascend hilltops to establish new outposts in response to the killing, admitting there are internal divisions about the activities of hilltop youth. Settlement is Worth the Cost, No Obstacle to Peace -------------- ¶5. (C) Karnei Shomron settlers told PolOff they worry about their own safety, but their "sacrifice" of living in a settlement is far less than those in the IDF, and worth it for the quality of life, political statement, and fulfillment of Jewish spiritual obligations. They disputed that their "presence here an obstacle to peace" and said the "land for peace" formula had been discredited by developments since Oslo. They criticized the GOI and USG for pursuing negotiations and Annapolis before the Palestinians are "ready" for statehood and insisted that they are "here to stay." DUFFY