US embassy cable - 05TELAVIV6396

S E C R E T TEL AVIV 006396 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/2015 
TAGS: ECON, IS, KWBG, PREL, ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS, GAZA DISENGAGEMENT 
SUBJECT: RAMON SUPPORTS WEST BANK-GAZA RAIL LINK AS AN 
INTERIM STEP 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Richard H. Jones for reasons 1.4 (b,d). 
 
1. (S) In a November 8 meeting, Minister without Portfolio 
Haim Ramon confirmed to Ambassador Jones that the GOI would 
accept the initiation of a technical feasibility study for 
what the GOI prefers to call a "transportation connection" 
between Gaza and the West Bank.  Ramon presented  proposed 
terms of reference that provided for the study of the 
"technical, financial and infrastructure aspects of such a 
link," but excluded consideration of anything of "a political 
nature, such as allocation of rights and responsibilities, 
and legal and other arrangements as well as security 
considerations."  Ramon said that security, operations, and 
implementation of the plan would be subject to direct 
negotiations between the GOI and the PA. The terms include a 
study of a rail link, which he described as possibly using 
existing tracks with an additional spur connecting Erez and 
Tarkumiya.  USAID will initiate the study immediately. 
 
2. (S) According to Ramon, the use of convoys to establish 
the Gaza - West Bank link would come first, to be followed by 
a rail link as an interim solution. Finally, the terms allow 
for a study of a tunnel link, which Ramon described as the 
ultimate preferred Israeli option. The railway option is 
expected to be faster and cheaper than a tunnel, said Ramon, 
but political considerations make the tunnel the best 
long-term choice for the Israelis. The railway is technically 
and bureaucratically the fastest option because of existing 
tracks and the fact that it already has the approval of the 
Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and various ministries. Ramon 
stated that the construction of a railroad could start 
tomorrow and be completed quickly because the necessary 
rights of way are secured and provided it is routed through 
the proper terrain. 
 
3.  (S) Ramon also reported that negotiations on a seaport 
for Gaza would begin next week with PA Civil Affairs Minister 
Dahlan representing the Palestinians. The Peres staff has 
been in touch with the French and Dutch about funding the 
project and are aware that a letter of guarantee from the GOI 
to the EU guaranteeing both the construction of the port and 
its ability to function would be necessary for any government 
to risk building it.  Ramon also confirmed the acceptance of 
a third party role at the port.  His comments on the 
political situation in the wake of the Likud rebels blocking 
Sharon's ministerial appointments are reported septel. 
 
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