Ha'aretz: Chief of Staff Mofaz blasts Clinton proposal

By Amos Harel Ha'aretz Military Correspondent Ha'aretz 29 December 2000

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz leveled harsh criticism at American
President Bill Clinton's proposal for an agreement between Israel and the
Palestinian Authority. At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening, Mofaz
expressed numerous reservations about the American plan, saying that it
exposed Israel to very serious security problems and that Israel's ability
to maneuver would be considerably reduced in the face of future threats.

Mofaz also expressed concern that the Israeli settlement enclaves remaining
in the territories would find themselves in an unbearable situation
vis-a-vis the Palestinians.

Mofaz also warned of the danger posed by the smuggling of large quantities
of weapons from Arab countries to the Palestinian Authority if Israel is
unable to supervise borders effectively.

A considerable number of Mofaz's comments related to the Jordan Valley.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, a map drafted according to Clinton's
plan shows that Israel would not be able to defend itself properly in the
face of a threat from the east. The IDF seeks to preserve a security strip
about 15 kilometers wide in the Jordan Valley, from the Jordan River to the
Allon highway.

Ministers commented that, according to Mofaz, the Clinton plan would expose
Israel to great danger and is almost out of the question from a security
standpoint. One of those present at the meeting said he emerged "stunned"
after hearing Mofaz's assessment.

Senior IDF officers expressed surprise and leveled harsh criticism at the
American plan.