The following excerpt is from a recent interview of acting Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert. (Haaretz, 14 March 2006; by Aluf Benn and Yossi Verter; title: “A country that’s fun to live in.”)
Q: Will you build in Area E-1, between Jerusalem and (Jewish Settlement) Ma’aleh Adumim, despite the U.S. objections?
A: (Olmert) Of course. After all, it is unthinkable that we will talk about Ma’aleh Adumim as part of the State of Israel and leave it like an island or an isolated enclave. It is completely clear that the contiguity between Jerusalem and Ma’aleh Adumim will be built up. This is clear to both the Palestinians and to the Americans. In my opinion, on this matter there is a full consensus in Israel…
Q: And the Jordan Valley?
A: (Olmert) In any case, our security border will be along the Jordan. There are strategic considerations for this that we cannot relinquish.
And when was this decided? 1948? 1967? 1993? 2006? How long will the two-state charade persist? Especially the notion that it is the Palestinian side that is rejecting it, or its meaningful implementation?