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A leading member of Israel’s Knesset, Member Rabbi Benjamin Elon, the chairman of the nine-member National Union opposition party, presented a new political plan, called “The Israeli Initiative,” Monday, based on the rehabilitation of refugees and the dismantling of their camps; strategic cooperation with Jordan; and Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.
“This is an initiative based on alternative, innovative thinking, and would allow us to reach a true peace,” he said.
According to Mr. Elon’s plan, the Palestinian problem requires a humanitarian solution rather than a political one. Instead of giving the Palestinians the territories of Judea and Samaria, the National Union chairman proposes applying Israeli sovereignty there, but the inhabitants of those areas would receive Jordanian citizenship.
“Their status, their affiliation with both countries and the prevailing character of the populated areas would be solidified and detailed in an agreement between the governments of Israel and Jordan,” said Mr. Elon, who believes it will be possible to convince the King of Jordan to assist in the process.
Mr. Elon suggested dismantling UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, as part of the process of rehabilitating the refugees. He said UNRWA “perpetuates the plight of the refugees.” The inhabitants of the refugee camps would be offered “permanent homes, citizenship and a generous rehabilitation grant.”
Mr. Elon said the cost of the initiative is $1 billion, which would be raised by donations. He explained the campaign for the initiative would include a large scale, public relations campaign that would “flood” the country with billboards and that a new Internet site would be built. He claims high-ranking political officials in the United States support the initiative as well.
