Current trajectory of separation barrier
"With needed adjustments, Israel could build a separation barrier that serves its security interests, political interests, reduces hardships on Palestinians, and promotes – rather than obstructs – a two-state solution."Undoubtedly the barrier Israel is building along and within the West Bank saves lives. It saves Israeli lives by presenting a fortified obstacle that makes a suicide bomber’s task much more difficult. And while making them harder, it also saves Palestinian lives, by allowing the Israeli Defense Forces to take risks and adopt more selective policies as it engages Palestinian militants.
In many ways the route of the barrier will determine its short- and long-term benefits to the region. Unfortunately, in some cases the trajectory contradicts the same security principles outlined by the Israeli Ministry of Defense itself. More importantly, instead of allowing a contiguous, viable entity on the other side, an unwise trajectory creates impediments for a two-state solution rather than providing a pathway to it. Access the full article>>