Israeli Security Echelon Sees Jobs for Palestinians as Beneficial for Peace

Claiming that history has shown that reserving jobs in Israel for Palestinians has reduced terror attacks, the defense establishment has presented a plan that would allow an additional 30,000 Palestinians to work in Israel in addition to the 58,000 already employed by Jewish-Israeli concerns. According to the daily Haaretz, the cabinet is being briefed on the plan in anticipation of a vote which is expected to pass the measure. The gesture comes at a time when there has been almost daily violent attacks on Israelis since October, typically in the form of knifings on the streets and attempts to do harm behind the wheel of a vehicle. During that time, more than 30 Israelis have been killed and more than 160 Palestinians have died, most at the hands of security agents after being caught “in the act” of perpetrating violence. But officials point out that even during times of increased attacks, it’s rare for the attackers to be Palestinians employed by Jewish firms. The plan envisions employing the 30,000 in areas of agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and construction. On Sunday, Israel’s opposition-leading Labor Party held its convention and adopted a plan submitted by party chief Isaac Herzog to separate from the Palestinians including using a separation fence. It’s not known how – or whether – the defense echelon plan and the Labor plan are reconcilable.