Weekly Commentary: PM Netanyahu's Herzliya Conference Speech: Back From The
Security-Centric Precipice?

Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 4 February 2010

I know that one of my predecessors, Ariel Sharon, spoke from this podium
about disengagement. Today I would like to speak not of disengagement, but
rather of engagement: engagement with our heritage, with Zionism, with our
past and with our future here in the land of our forefathers, which is also
the land of our children and our grandchildren.
. our existence depends. on our ability to explain the justness of our path
and demonstrate our affinity for our land - first to ourselves and then to
others.
. Our purpose today is to reignite the flame, to introduce a new spirit
into the blaze of our lives and reconnect with this land - our land - the
unique and singular Land of Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Speech at the Herzliya Conference
3 February 2010

Less than a year ago, Prime Minister Netanyahu's Bar Ilan policy speech
featured a security-centric approach which saw Israel's requirements for a
Palestinian state essentially limited to it being demilitarized.

Last week Netanyahu used Tu Bishvat tree planting photo ops to proclaim that
various locations in Judea and Samaria will remain under Israeli control if
a deal is indeed cut with the Palestinians.

He planted trees in some major settlement blocs where the argument for
keeping the territory is more focused on population figures than on any
particularly special historical connection to the locations.

But the speech at the Herzliya Conference relates to a completely different
criteria: national history and heritage.

Does our national history and heritage stop at the Green Line?

The opposite is the case.

Does this mean that the Jewish State must have each and every landmark of
previous Jewish kingdoms under its control?

I don't know. But, in the least, it turns relinquishing that control into
a painful concession rather than a give away to the Arabs that deserves no
compensation or consideration.

And while some places might be conceded, this could ultimately be the sign
that places like Maarat Hamachpela in Hebron, that have national
significance second only to Jerusalem, are off the chopping block.

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il