Jerusalem, 30 November 1997
CABINET COMMUNIQUE
At the weekly Cabinet meeting today (Sunday), 30.11.97:
1. The Cabinet reaffirmed its determination to make progress in the
negotiations with the Palestinians.
2. The Cabinet decided that before the permanent settlement, a further
redeployment will be carried out in Judea and Samaria. The Cabinet will
soon present its plan on this matter, whose implementation will be
conditioned on the Palestinians fulfilling their commitments, (as detailed
in the appendix to the file of 15 January, 1997 The Mutual Commitments
Following the Hebron Agreement) and in keeping with principles to be
formulated by the government regarding the final status talks.
3. The Cabinet believes that the correct way to make progress in the peace
process with the Palestinians is to begin immediate negotiations on the
permanent settlement.
4. The Cabinet will hold an intensive debate before formulating its plan
for a permanent settlement, including the security zones necessary for the
State of Israel, settlement areas and other vital interests, in particular
in the fields of water resources and historical Jewish sites. After
reaching a decision on this matter, the government will decide upon the
method of implementation of the interim steps.
5. The Cabinet will take the necessary steps to continue the existence and
strengthening of settlements in Judea and Samaria, steps to decrease
friction between the populations in Judea and Samaria and to increase the
security of the Jewish and Arab residents.
6. The Cabinet authorized foundation of a ministerial committee headed by
the Prime Minister and with the participation of the ministers of defense,
foreign affairs and national infrastructure that will submit for Cabinet
approval proposals to implement Cabinet decisions.