The big news around here lately has been the decision by the Netanyahu government to institute a 10-month freeze of new construction (with some exceptions) in the so-called settlements of Israel. The public debate has ranged from mild to fierce and everything in between. Newspapers, blogs, on-line news magazines, television...all are debating the issue of this imposed freeze. So, it is time for me to weigh in on such a freeze as well...I am in favor of it.
Now, before you shut your computer off (or throw down the paper in which you are reading this) in anger and disgust at how I could say such a thing, allow me to explain.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word settlement as: "The act or process of settling." Using THAT definition, allow me to explain why I am indeed in favor of a settlement freeze:
* I would like to put a freeze on Israel settling for a government that promises one platform but delivers another.
* I would like to put a freeze on settling for rhetoric and pablum-spewing dictators calling for the annihilation of Israel, while the world is silent.
* I would like to put a freeze on settling for a United Nations which is obsessed with Israel and its condemnation.
* I would like to put a freeze on settling for the world blaming Israel every time something goes wrong.
* I would like to put a freeze on settling for boycotts and calls for marginalizing Israel.
* I would like to put a freeze on settling for allowing a brand new Arab neighborhood to be built near Ramallah but not permitting Jews to build Yehuda and Shomron.
Yes, I definitely support a freeze on settling for such folly and foolishness.
