ABSTRACT
The Israelis can shed responsibility for the Palestinian population’s security and prosperity, without losing their presence in the areas or jeopardizing their own security. “Land-water” and “security” are really two sides of the same coin: the sense of safety for both Israelis and Palestinians. Safety consists of having a “title,” a right to be there and physical safety, whether as individuals, as a community, or as a state. As with land and water, the geopolitics of the territories plays a major role in the security analysis. Israel’s minimal security requirements in the West Bank for external defense will be heavily influenced by the potential threat of the Eastern Front. Washington can work to assure a supporting cast: productive Israel-Arab state negotiations to contain those who reject the peacemakers; regional arrangements to enlarge water resources and economic exchange; and security agreements that monitor performance and encourage trust. Palestinian Self-Government can contribute to the establishment of peace.
