I fully support Israel building the security fence around Ariel. The aim of the fence is to minimize the number of terrorist infiltrations into Israel. And while Ariel is beyond the “Green Line”, it should be afforded this protection.
Israel has always stated that she will not retreat to the 1967 “Green Line”, but rather keep some lands beyond it to minimize the security risk to Israel, as well as to recognize realities “on the ground.” This was affirmed in George Bush’s letter to Ariel Sharon a few months ago, and is a fair solution, especially considering that the “Green Line” is not an internationally recognized border, but rather an armistice line between Israel and Jordan pending the negotiation of a final border.
Given that 20,000 people live in Ariel, it is inconceivable that Israel would agree to expel them. And these people deserve to be protected from terrorists, just like people living within the Green Line.
In order to build the fence around Ariel, Israel would have to extend the fence approximately 12 miles into the West Bank. This land will remain the property of the PLO Arabs who currently own it, and, consequently, they have legal recourse to receive compensation. In fact, as of September, PLO Arabs had filed $2.2 million in compensation claims.
It bears mentioning that Israel is doing its best to mitigate the adverse affects of the fence on the lives of PLO Arabs, despite the fact that it is the actions of PLO Arab terrorists that have necessitated the fence to begin with. For example, Israel is providing agricultural passageways to allow farmers to continue to cultivate their lands, and crossing points to allow the movement of people and the goods. Property owners are offered compensation for the use of their land and for any damage to trees. Also, contractors are responsible for carefully uprooting and replanting the trees.
Bear in mind also that while some PLO Arabs will suffer some inconvenience, the resultant reduction of Israeli military operations in PLO Arab towns, as well as in the number of checkpoints and curfews, will lessen the inconvenience suffered by others.
But at the end of the day, the fact that the fence will save many innocent lives outweighs the temporary inconvenience that it may cause.
For these reasons, I support building the fence around Ariel. I should also mention that I based much of my opinion on this fantastic site, which articulates the benefits of the fence much better than I have.
Reader Tony writes:
I enjoy reading your blog, but why are you anonymous? Tell us a bit about your background.
Well, Tony, I have to remain anonymous for a number of reasons, relating to my activities in Israel. Besides, I prefer it this way, since I want the focus of my blog to be spreading the truth about Israel and the Jewish people, rather than me.
What I will say is that I am a 30-year-old Jewish guy, originally from Perth, Australia. My educational background is 5 years of university, resulting in dual degrees in law and commerce (major in Accounting and Finance). But despite my legal background, I opted to not practice law, but rather work in the oil industry for almost 3 years (no, not as a gas station attendant! Rather, contract negotiation and management, as well as inhouse consulting). Since coming to Israel over 3 yars ago, I have worked as a business consultant, and now for a major software company.
I currently live in Beit Shemesh with my wife and two daughters. My hobbies include tennis, basketball..and blogging of course!
Previous mailbags: Here
If you want to ask me a question, write an email to [email protected], with “Mailbag” in the subject line.
Reader Mike writes:
G’day,
I’m writing because I’m hoping that you might address the annoucement
that Israel will begin building the security fence around the settlement of
Ariel.
