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Israel takes optimistic view of peace talks
Arafat decries proposal for Hebron
October 16, 1996
Web posted at: 10:30 p.m. EDT (0230 GMT)TABA, Egypt (CNN) -- Hours after Yasser Arafat denounced as "racist" an Israeli proposal he said would divide Hebron, formal talks on the fate of the disputed city resumed, with Israel expressing optimism that a resolution is within sight.
Talks so far have yielded "impressive progress" and there was "a chance of completing the agreement within hours," Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy said.
And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added: "If there is willingness on the Palestinian side to reach an agreement, it is possible. We are conducting the negotiations with goodwill."
That contrasts sharply with the Palestinian interpretation of events. Describing Israel's proposal for Hebron as "dangerous," Arafat, president of the Palestinian Authority, said, "It shows Israel's aggressive intentions in Hebron and shows complete and abhorrent racism."
Arafat said the plan would divide Hebron and let Israel maintain control of areas that were to be turned over to the Palestinians in March under the September 1995 accord.
The leader said the Israeli government also seeks the right to chase Arab suspects anywhere in Hebron, including Palestinian-controlled areas, and wants to restrict Palestinians from building schools, hospitals and clubs.
Without elaborating, Netanyahu spokesman Shai Bazak responded, "There is no plan to divide Hebron."
Israel was to have pulled out of most of Hebron, the last West Bank city under occupation, in March. But former premier Shimon Peres delayed the move until June after a series of terrorist attacks in Israel by Islamic militants.
Netanyahu, who won May elections, delayed the move again, demanding better security arrangements for the 400 Jewish settlers who live amid Hebron's 100,000 Arabs.
Palestinians have accused the Israelis of trying to renegotiate previously signed peace agreements.
U.S. sponsored talks on implementing the Hebron redeployment are in their second week. The decision to hold them was made at a Washington summit after Israeli-Palestinian clashes last month killed at least 75 people.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- King Hussein visits West Bank - October 15, 1996
- Peres, Arafat meet; Arab leaders shun Netanyahu - October 13, 1996
- Muslims delay mosque opening to avoid clash with Israelis - October 10, 1996
- Mideast talks to continue Thursday - October 9, 1996
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- Islamic Association for Palestine
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