Beilin: “Temporary Freeze Of Settlements Could Lead To P.A Collapse”

Thursday November 19, 2009 07:06 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

Former head of the Meretz Israeli leftist party, Yossi Beilin, stated Wednesday that a temporary freeze of settlement construction could lead to the collapse of the Palestinian Authority (P.A).

Yossi Beilin - Image Al Jazeera

He said that he was informed that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, intends to declare a 10-month settlement freeze, and added that the Palestinians may not accept this temporary freeze, an issue that could lead to the collapse of the P.A.

Yet, the leftist leader added freezing settlement activities will not include Jerusalem and what he described as ‘natural growth’ of existing settlements.

He added that the Palestinians will not accept an American call for the resumption of peace talks while Israel is ongoing with its settlement activities.

Beilin further stated that the Palestinians would consider the U.S. call for the resumption of peace talks without halting settlement activities as an American recognition of Jewish settlements in the occupied territories.

He also criticized the U.S. Middle East policies, and said that President Barack Obama wasted his first year in office, Israeli Ynet News reported.

Beilin added that U.S. Middle East Envoy, George Mitchell, failed in his mission, and that he should have been conducting talks similar to those held in Madrid.

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