In early December the Prime Minister began to discuss in public the idea of moving to negotiations for the permanent status earlier than expected. Briefing his cabinet, he stated that he already had a clear concept of that settlement. He also accused the Palestinians of holding up the Hebron agreement which was for all intents and purposes ready. Indeed, it has been drafted by U.S. coordinator Dennis Ross and Egypts Presidents political adviser Osama el Baz. Excerpts:
1.The Prime Minister briefed the ministers that the Cabinet will in the coming weeks discuss the pattern of the permanent settlement with the Palestinians. He said that he has a clear conception of a permanent settlement which would assure the State of Israels vital interests. He will present this conception to the Cabinet, and will enable the Cabinet to fully discuss the issue.
2.The Prime Minister instructed the ministers not to allow government offices to leave Jerusalem. He said that he is banning government offices from leaving Jerusalem, and that any special request must be submitted to him.
3.The Prime Minister briefed the Cabinet on his visit to Europe and his meetings with heads of state there. He said that the expectation that the visit would place Israel under heavy pressure was not realized, and that we had succeeded in presenting European leaders with the facts regarding our positions. We made it clear that Israel champions a policy of openness vis-a-vis Europe. To the extent that Europe shows a more balanced and considered position, cooperation with it will increase.
Today, in most European countries and the U.S., it is understood that we are conducting the negotiations with goodwill. The Prime Ministers meeting with the U.S. Vice President emphasized the continuity in U.S. Israeli relations, and the composition of the new administration underscores the fact that the friendship between the two countries will continue alongside the common aspiration to advance peace between Israel and the Arab world.
Regarding the negotiations with the Palestinians, the Prime Minister emphasized that Israel favors the reciprocal implementation of commitments. The negotiations regarding Hebron have been exhausted, and it is possible to reach agreement on the remaining issues in a political-level meeting, unless the other side raises new obstacles at the last minute. The real question at this stage is whether the Palestinian side is interested in reaching an agreement.