US embassy cable - 05TELAVIV5308

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TEL AVIV 005308 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/29/2015 
TAGS: ECON, KPAL, IS, GAZA DISENGAGEMENT, ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS 
SUBJECT: MINISTER RAMON TELLS A/S WELCH USG MUST KEEP 
PRESSING GOI AND PA ON GAZA CROSSINGS 
 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Daniel C. Kurtzer, for Reason 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
1.  (C) Summary:  On August 21 Minister without Portfolio 
Haim Ramon updated A/S Welch, Ambassador Kurtzer, Acting AID 
Mission Director Harden and Econoff on the GOI's position on 
Gaza crossings, particularly the impasse over Rafah.  Ramon 
stressed that Minister of Defense Mofaz remains "totally 
against" passage through Rafah and any third-party role 
there.  Ambassador Kurtzer suggested that the equipment, 
technology and real-time coordination proposed for Rafah 
would go far in meeting Israel's security requirements.  A/S 
Welch added that Egypt, sharing Israel's concerns about 
security in the Northern Sinai, could also play a positive 
role.  Ramon asserted that PM Sharon would have the final 
word on any solution and suggested that, although also 
opposed to a third-party role, Sharon could possibly 
demonstrate some flexibility on the movement of people. 
Ramon noted that the GOI's position on Gaza crossings had 
evolved over time and suggested an incremental approach to 
solving remaining differences.  A/S Welch asked that GOI 
proposals be implemented quickly as it was imperative that 
the disengagement show positive results soon.  Ramon urged 
the USG to maintain pressure on both the GOI and the 
Palestinians to come to agreement on outstanding Gaza issues. 
 He also said that more money would be needed from the 
international community to adequately upgrade the Gaza 
crossings.  End Summary. 
 
2.  (C) In reply to A/S Welch's query on the status of GOI 
plans for Rafah crossing, Ramon began by reiterating that 
security concerns remain paramount to the GOI.  He asserted 
that Minister of Defense Mofaz continues to advocate the 
establishment of an Israeli-controlled border crossing at 
Kerem Shalom and remains strongly opposed to passage through 
Rafah and a third-party role there.  Nevertheless, Ramon 
suggested that Sharon could demonstrate some flexibility, 
possibly agreeing to allow people and goods to exit Gaza 
through Rafah, and two-way traffic for both at Kerem Shalom. 
 
 
3.  (C) In reply to Ambassador Kurtzer's mention of the 
equipment and technology proposed for Rafah to enhance 
security, Ramon reiterated PM Sharon's opposition to a third 
party role.  Sharon, Mofaz and others in the GOI doubt a 
third party would be able to "exercise its role in the right 
way," according to Ramon.  He cited Israel's experience with 
UN forces in Lebanon as reason to be wary of third party 
involvement at Rafah.  In addition, any GOI challenge to 
third party enforcement could complicate GOI relations with 
Europe.  A/S Welch reminded Ramon that the Palestinians, 
keenly aware of how vital the movement of people and goods 
would be to achieving economic growth, had placed other 
issues on hold until an agreement on crossings could be 
reached.  He added that Egypt could play a positive role as 
it shared GOI concerns over maintaining appropriate security 
in the northern Sinai. 
 
4.  (C) Ramon described the GOI position on crossings as one 
that has been "evolving."  Previously the GOI had declined to 
accept any crossings through Rafah but now agreed to some. 
He volunteered that he personally supported, (for the most 
part), elements of Sa'eb Erakat's proposal and was trying to 
convince others in the GOI of its merits.  However, he 
insisted that the final decision would be PM Sharon's, who he 
characterized as the "only player" in this decision.  In any 
case, Ramon believed that, given Israeli concerns, the GOI 
would likely adopt a "graduated process" in which a solution 
would be implemented over a period of about six months.  A/S 
Welch noted the need for a solution soon.  Ramon replied that 
the GOI had already taken steps and formulated concrete plans 
to improve conditions at Erez crossing, but more funds were 
needed from the international community.  He asserted that 
the plans were in place and the GOI stood ready to ensure 
that trucks leaving Gaza would face two hours, at most, 
transiting the crossings, but money was needed to accomplish 
this goal. 
 
5.  (C)  A/S Welch stressed that the USG believes it 
imperative that the GOI's disengagement lead to further 
progress in the peace process.  Ramon agreed and expressed 
his concern that significant progress would have to be made 
prior to Palestinian elections, otherwise "Hamas will come." 
Ramon urged the USG to remain active at the highest levels to 
help bring the Israelis and Palestinians together.  He agreed 
that what happens in the next three to four months in Gaza 
will affect Israelis and Palestinians for a long time to come. 
 
6.  (U) A/S Welch has cleared this cable. 
 
 
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