(National Review) Mark Dubowitz - Israel has made it clear that it will negotiate a permanent border with a Palestinian partner committed to peace. Until then, arbitrary armistice lines should not determine whether innocent civilians live or die. Instead, the security fence's route should maximize the number of Israelis protected from terrorists while minimizing the number of Palestinians economically damaged or inconvenienced. The route must not push Israel behind indefensible borders - a result that would mark a clear victory for the terrorists and only guarantee more attacks. The fence's benefits to Israeli Arabs and Palestinians also should not be overlooked. The fence has protected Israeli Arabs living near the "green line" from violence and theft from West Bank Palestinians. And with increased security, the number of Israeli troops in Palestinian towns has been significantly reduced.
2004-09-10 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive