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