Jewish town in Shomron
Jewish town in ShomronIsrael news photo: Flash90

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has been talking of “creative solutions” lately, and some reports say he means Palestinian Authority rule over Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria.

Two days ago, addressing his Cabinet after returning from the first day of direct talks with PA leader Abu Mazen in Washington, Netanyahu said, “What's needed is creative and new thought to solve the complex problems." He said that in the past, “we have proved that we are ready to go far towards achieving peace, but this time, in order to succeed, we have to learn the lesson and to think in original terms.” He also said he is willing to work towards a “historic compromise,” while ensuring Israel’s security and other national interests. 

Aaron Klein of World Net Daily reports that the specific “creative new plan” under consideration is that the Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria will remain in place – under a form of Palestinian Authority rule.

“Officials in both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have confirmed the plan to this reporter,” Klein wrote, noting no names or level of authority.  He added that PA sources said they held a meeting last week to discuss it.

Abbas Has Often Objected
The PA chairman himself, Mahmoud Abbas, has often stated that he objects to any Jews living in a PA state – and has even announced that he would not accept Jewish soldiers in a NATO force sent to protect a future Israeli-Arab peace.

"I'm willing to agree to a third party that would supervise the agreement, such as NATO forces,” Abbas was quoted as saying by the PA Wafa news agency, “but I would not agree to having Jews among the NATO forces, or that there will live among us even a single Israeli on Palestinian land.” His aide later said that Abbas retracted his opposition to Jewish soldiers in a NATO force.

What the Rabbis Say
Security questions aside, some rabbis living in Judea and Samaria have said in the past that residence in the Holy Land is an important Jewish value no matter who is sovereign. Others feel that the full import of settling the Land can only be attained in a Jewish state – especially if the opportunity to do so exists at the time.