Israeli minister rejects US proposals on Jordan Valley

Israel’s Minister of Intelligence and Strategic Affairs, Yuval Steinitz, said on Sunday that the government in Tel Aviv rejects the “concessions” proposed by the United States with respect to its occupation of the Jordan Valley.

The Likud Knesset member, who also serves as Minister of International Relations, told Israeli Public Radio: “Security must remain in our hands. Anyone who proposes a solution in the Jordan Valley by deploying an international force, Palestinian police or technological means does not understand the Middle East.”

US Secretary of State John Kerry, whose framework security plan involves the deployment of an international force in the Jordan Valley, said the proposed plan would be “fair and balanced” for Israel and the Palestinians. President Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his rejection of the American proposal, saying that it is an obstacle to the peace efforts

In his meeting with the Palestinian President in Ramallah on Saturday, Kerry said that the US is committed to recognising Israel’s Jewish identity.

Source: Felesteen