Israel / Palestine

I am a Pro-Israel candidate and I support the Israel barrier also known as the separation or security fence as it is an effective solution in providing safety to the Israel civilian population.

To end the conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians I am first and foremost a proponent of a two state solution. I believe there is potential for the creation of a Palestinian nation, which would dramatically decrease the conflicts as well as give Palestinians a nation of their own. I look to Israel and Palestine to work out such an agreement and I fully support it.

I also believe that simply stating that a two state solution is the answer is the easy way out. As much as the vast majority of people (including myself) advocate a two state solution, we must be prepared with other alternative solutions to address the issues of violence in the region and the needs of its people. If a two state solution is not achievable I would recommend the following alternatives to deal with the many issues in the region. To that end, I have addressed these other alternatives by highlighting five areas of action: Refugees; Jordan Cooperation; Judea, Samaria and Gaza; Demographics and Religious Sites.

Refugees
The vast resources that have been poured into refugee camps by UNRWA and other organizations towards must be refocused on rehabilitation efforts. The focus must be on closing the camps, and eliminating these people's refugee status by offering them permanent places of residence and citizenship in various Arab and other countries. The Arab countries, Israel and the international community must share the responsibility of absorption and economic assistance. The key is providing economic assistance to countries that are willing to absorb refugees so they do not become a burden, but rather contributing citizens to that nation. Helping the refugees is primarily a humanitarian mission, but is also overcomes one of the key obstacles towards achieving stability in the Arab-Israeli conflict. The continued existence of refugee camps filled with millions of people without permanent homes or suitable economic opportunities has only fueled the violent conflict by creating a vacuum which has been filled by resentment and extremism. Eliminating these camps would be in the interest of all Middle Eastern countries that desire regional stability

Jordan and other stable Arab regimes
In the absence of a stable, united Palestinian Authority (and its would-be successor state), Jordan should be recognized as a viable, stable alternative. A Palestinian state on the West Bank would pose a similar danger to Jordan as it would to Israel. Jordan has proven it’s ability to positively govern its Palestinian population, and its position can be further bolstered economically and militarily with support from the Israel and the international community. Jordan should be encouraged to grant citizenship to the Arab residents of the West Bank, who would then be allowed to stay in Israeli territory as citizens of Jordan who reside in Israel. While Jordan is a key partner, it is also imperative for Israel to foster cooperation with other Middle Eastern countries like Turkey and Egypt. Israel will need the continued backing of the international community in order to combat the cogent threat posed by Iran and other extremist Islamic entities and organizations.

Judea, Samaria and Gaza
Israeli sovereignty over Judea, Samaria and Gaza. It is imperative that Israel clarify the legal status of these regions in order to create a sense of 'normalcy' and 'law and order' in these parts. The legal ambiguity and status quo of military rule has only contributed to the environment of violence. Israel must make efforts to develop these regions economically for both Jews and Arabs - in cooperation with its neighbors. It is also imperative that the Israeli military be able to operate freely in these parts to eliminate any potential terror threats. However, the annexation of these regions would free the Israel Defense Force of its current civil administration duties and allow the military to focus on security alone.

Demographics
The demographic threat to Israel will be addressed by providing the Arab residents with alternative options. The core demographic threat is posed by the refugees who will be rehabilitated and absorbed in other countries. This includes the refugees of Gaza and the West Bank. Many of the others will become citizens of Jordan. The remaining Arabs in Israel's territory will be given the option of citizenship in Israel (assuming they meet basic criteria of loyalty to the state), although they will also be given the option of relocating to other countries with economic assistance. The Arabs will ultimately have the choice between living as a religious and ethnic minority in a Jewish democracy with full civil rights, or choosing to live in a country which is closer to their cultural and religious norms.

Religious Sites
This solution is unique in the fact that it realistically allows full access for all religions to their sites in the Holy Land. The experience with Palestinian Authority and Muslim control over religious sites (Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Shechem, etc.) has shown that there would not be religious freedom in a Palestinian state for Christians, Jews or other non-Muslims. Israeli control over areas of the Holy Land west of Jordan would guarantee access for all religions to their sites with full security.

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