Israel's New War Machine Opens the Abyss

[bluesoul]

By James Brooks

Israel's occupation of the Palestinian Territories passed through a profound transformation during the last several months. Through a series of policy changes and military orders, the West Bank "security fence" has gradually revealed itself to be the backbone of a comprehensive new system of land theft, imprisonment, collective punishment...and worse. The question is not whether it is a "political fence" or a "security fence", but whether it is an engine of ethnic cleansing.

In the past ninety days Israel has established a clear pattern of using its "security fence" to deny Palestinian farmers access to their own lands. Much of the olive harvest in the northern West Bank hangs dead on the trees because farmers have been 'caged' for weeks at a time. Entire villages have been issued permits to farm that give them as little as two days outside the barrier - for the entire year. Even if you have a permit, you must hope the soldiers open the gate for a few minutes on your appointed day, and open it again when you return from your labors.

In the past sixty days, Israel revealed its willingness to use deadly force to protect its "fence". It relaxed its rules of engagement, and shot an unarmed Palestinian dead for disobeying orders; he touched the wall.

In the past thirty days, Israel issued new military orders that obliterate the rights of Palestinians left outside the barriers to live in their own homes. The orders expropriate their land, and all Palestinian land west of the "security fence", to create a "closed zone" open only to Jews and citizens of Israel. All others, including the people who live there, must apply for a permit from the Israeli army. By the end of next year, at least 210,000 Palestinians are expected to be subject to similar orders.

<snip>

http://www.counterpunch.org/brooks11102003.html

[papau]

1. It's lousy- but it is the only option for a Jewish state if 2 state reject

The only 2 state Arafat wants is a second Arab state. And "liberal" mags are now pushing the "one state" solution as if the prior one state solution - Jews killed after the mulah's Friday call - and Jews not allowed near wall - would not return. Jews trusted liberal western nations in the 30's, and when the end of the rope was reached, those liberal western nations closed their ports. I do not see any great numbers of Jews buying Arafat's second Arab state, or a liberal mags One state arab state. - even with counterpunch giving a guarantee - trust them - that this time "one state" will be different.

But "only option" in my thread title is a bit wrong - the Geneva accord would work if the folks now under Arafat want it to work.

And if the Palestinians do push Geneva, Bush and Sharon get pissed. I can't find much wrong with Geneva, or it's acceptance by both sides, or the expected reaction by Bush/Sharon if it is accepted.

[The Magistrate]

2. The Problem With This Barrier, Sir

Is well encapsulated by the above extract, which does not seem much of an exaggeration. If this barrier followed the de facto border of Israel, no one could make sensible objection to it, but this thing is the opening wedge of a process of de facto annexation, and ethnic cleansing.

It is a pleasure to see you in support, Mr. Papau, of the "Geneva" plan. That seems to me a most sensible document, and perhaps it will constitute some party's platform in the next Israeli elections. There is still time to undo the damage caused by this mis-begotten barrier scheme.

[ThorsteinVeblen]

3. God help us all.

[LibertyorDeath]

4. All this time and all this death and misery and this is it. This is

obviously the answer build a fence.

Ah yes problem solved.