home |  sitemap |  donate |  contact 

home

about us

programs

events

icej worldwide

news headlines

resources

donate

US sets tough deadlines for Israel

Demands made for removal of checkpoints, support of PA

By ICEJ News

04 May 2007

Senior Israel officials fear friction could arise with the Bush administration over a timetable issued by the United States that sets detailed benchmarks for measures that both Israel and the Palestinians must implement.

For Israel, the document sets a precise schedule for removing security checkpoints, opening travel corridors in the West Bank, and supporting armed forces loyal to Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas. Israel is also strongly encouraged to approve Palestinian request for food, industrial equipment, and weapons.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to arrive in the region on May 15 to discuss the plan.

Israeli defense officials believe that the benchmarks create security risks and have objected to several issues in the document, especially the demand to increase the openness of passages into and out of Gaza and the removal of many roadblocks in the West Bank. Israel has not responded officially to the document and a cabinet discussion on the topic was postponed on Thursday. 


Print    Tell a friend




LATEST HEADLINES

Turkey rejects Israel's offer of post-quake aid
DNA tests show Southern African tribe is Jewish
Biden arrives on mission to reassure Israel on Iran
Barak downplays current Iranian threat to Israel
Mitchell announces Israelis, Palestinians agree to indirect talks
Israel tells Palestinians to combat violence, end incitement
Jailed Hamas leader: 'If freed, I'll still fight Israel'
Israel to seek France’s help in building nuclear power plants
IDF chief Ashkenazi on US visit
Abbas livid after Israeli police squelch Muslim riot on Temple Mount