Choose Negev for Settlers Removed from West Bank
If Israel, exhausted by war, is ever to replace the fragile ceasefire in Gaza with a lasting peace with the Palestinians, then Israel must accept the urgency of negotiating a two-state solution, and begin preparations to achieve one. This urgency is amplified by article 19 of President Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan which calls for attaining “a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.” Neither the U.S. nor the international community will ever permit Israel to annex the West Bank. Unless Israel agrees to negotiate a two-state solution, one will be imposed upon the Jewish state. To demonstrate willingness to negotiate for peace, the Israel Defense Forces must be directed to prevent further attacks on Palestinians by settlers in the West Bank. In addition, to avoid exacerbating anti-Zionist sentiment in the United States, Israel should halt the sale to American investors of real estate in the West Bank. Many American Jews, particularly younger ones, want to see Israel make peace with a reformed Palestinian government.
Ending the occupation of the West Bank by removing about 500,000 Jewish settlers is a prerequisite for attaining a two-state solution. The government of Israel must first choose the destination for the settlers who will be displaced from the West Bank by the establishment of an independent state of Palestine. Next, the government must promptly begin work on the design of new communities, and initiate work on the construction of new homes and new infrastructure. Israel must not repeat the mistake made by the government of Ariel Sharon in 2005 when, without involving the Palestinian Authority, about 9,000 Jewish settlers were quickly removed from their homes in Gaza and relocated to Israel before adequate housing was provided to receive them.
The Negev Desert in southern Israel has more advantages than disadvantages in favor of its selection as the destination for settlers who will be evacuated from the West Bank. As the Negev comprises over 60% of Israel’s total land mass, its’ major advantage is vast undeveloped land with ample space for growth. Both new and established Negev communities offer high quality health care. Negev communities have produced breakthroughs in agriculture. Education is highly valued, delivered by fine high schools and Ben Gurion University of the Negev. The Negev may have religious significance for religious Jewish settlers because of its deep biblical roots, connected to the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) who lived and wandered in that desert.
The disadvantages are little fresh water, a harsh climate, rugged terrain, and poor soil conditions. These disadvantages are being addressed by the Israeli government, and by Negev funds and foundations based in the United States.
