(Ha'aretz) Ze'ev Schiff - Prime Minister Sharon said that small adjustments might be made in the route of the separation fence. The adjustments in the fence's route ought to conform to the following principles: The fence is a temporary construct meant to defend Israel against terrorism, infiltration and those who move to Israel illegally (thereby exercising the "right of return" via the back door). Its construction should cause the absolute minimum of harm to the Palestinians, who must be able to continue leading normal lives. As few Palestinians as possible should be on the Israeli side of the fence. Will these changes produce greater understanding in Europe for the steps that Israel is taking to defend itself? Unfortunately, the answer is "no." The dominant line in many places is that Israel has no right even to defend itself.
2004-01-21 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive