Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 16 September 2010

Secretary of State Clinton’s proposal that Israel extend the settlement
freeze for three months is an insult to our intelligence.

The logic behind the three month freeze is that the final borders will be
agreed upon within the three month so that construction taking place after
the three month extension would take place in areas that the Palestinians
already agreed Israel could retain.

Let’s walk through the most possible scenarios:

Scenario #1: Agreement isn’t reached within the three months. So the freeze
is extended in a series of additional 3 month extensions in perpetuity or
until agreement is reached on the borders – whichever comes first.

Scenario #2: Agreement is reached on borders contingent on reaching
agreement on security and other arrangements. From that moment on the map
with a border line takes on a life of its own. A life not only independent
of the resolution of a myriad of issues still on the table but even ignoring
the notations the Israeli team took such great care to include in the map.
From the moment that the map exists the only thing that matters is getting
Israel to withdraw to the final lines. An impatient world slams Israel for
its “unrealistic” security demands and insulting lack of willingness to
simply rely on third party guarantees and/or observer forces to assure
Israel’s security. Ditto for other Israeli demands.

Either way, extension of the freeze by another three months gains nothing
for Israel and only invites more pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu to
make additional unilateral concessions.

You know what Mrs. Clinton?

If it is so important to the United States of America that Israel extend the
freeze for three months then why not do something really bold:

Instead of insulting our intelligence with arguments as to how extending the
freeze three months serves Israel’s interests why not give us an offer that
would be hard to refuse.
Publicly offer to free Jonathan Pollard in exchange for a three month freeze
extension.

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