Building controversy

Jewish leaders say bigger issues at stake in Israel housing dispute

LOU HIRSH
Managing Editor

During the past week, Israel's decision has brought criticism from President Clinton, Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Jordan's President King Hussein, all of whom warned that the building plans - combined with new disputes over the speed of troop withdrawals on the West Bank - could spark renewed violence in the region and damage an already fragile peace process.

Local representatives of Jewish political organizations say they are also concerned but that there are bigger issues to consider in ensuring Israel's long-term peace and security.

David Weiner, chairman of the Arizona advisory board to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and a member of the executive board of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix, said the construction projects should come as no surprise to anyone.

"This Israeli plan was put in the works by the (Shimon) Peres government. It's nothing new," said Weiner, who emphasized he was speaking only for himself. "We're concerned about what's going on, but the Palestinian Authority also has a responsibility to do what's needed to keep the peace."

As for possible effects on peace negotiations, Weiner said construction is unlikely to benefit the process, regardless of when it is carried out.

"Has there ever been a good time to do anything in the Middle East?" he said.

Robert Roos, chairman of the local JCRC, an entity of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix, noted that the latest developments have not been formally debated by the local council. But speaking for himself, Roos said Israel is justified in carrying out building plans from a legal and security standpoint. "Israel has a right to do this under all the accords," he said.

The Israeli government maintains its latest actions do not constitute a violation of agreements between Israel and the Palestinians. Officials say the 1993 Declaration of Principles, stemming from the Oslo talks, and an interim agreement signed in 1995, do not mention the issue of Jerusalem's status.

Roos added that controversy surrounding the newest building phase is out of proportion, considering that more housing units are earmarked for Arabs (3,000 in Arab neighborhoods) than for Jews (2,500 in Har Homa).

On the issue of timing, Roos said political tensions within Israel make it unlikely that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be able to resolve the issue to everyone's satisfaction in the near future.

"Netanyahu has political forces to deal with, and this is one way which he thought was best for handling this issue," Roos said.

Irv Shuman, Arizona chairman of AIPAC and a member of the group's national advisory committee, said AIPAC has not drafted a formal stance on the latest building plans but remains in support of Israel's overall right to build within Jerusalem.

"I happen to be a hawk on this situation. Some others (in AIPAC) are more doves," Shuman noted, while also emphasizing he was not speaking for the organization.

Rather than focusing on specific building projects, Shuman said attention needs to be placed on the larger battle for the future of Jerusalem and the security of Israel.

"The battle is taking place now. The issue is a single, unified capital."

Regarding the timing of construction, Shuman said, "I'm concerned about what's going on, but we're fighting for the state of Israel."

On Feb. 25, the Israeli government approved plans for new housing in the Har Homa neighborhood of southeastern Jerusalem, as well as in 10 Arab neighborhoods in the city.

According to the Center for Community Studies at Bar Ilan University, public opinion polls indicate 58 percent of Israelis (Jews and Arabs) support the government's plans to build in Har Homa. The Bar Ilan study is cited by the Israeli government in support of its position.

But other studies indicate that while a numerical majority of the public supports construction plans, that backing is far from unanimous.

One poll conducted by the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot, published Feb. 25, showed 38 percent of Israelis favored immediate construction. But another 31 percent said officials should "wait for the right timing," while another 24 percent said there was no need to begin construction at all.

On March 5, the Israeli daily Ha'aretz published results of a survey showing 41 percent supported construction. Another 31 percent supported construction in principle, but favored "postponement to a more convenient date," and 21 percent were opposed to construction in any event.

Similar concerns are being expressed by Jews in the United States. During a recent meeting in Jerusalem, members of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued a statement announcing "unanimous support" of its 53 member-organization for Israel's "unrestricted right to build within the municipality of Jerusalem." But the organization stopped short of specifically endorsing the Har Homa construction.

Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents, acknowledged that while all its members agreed in principle with Israel's right to build, there are different views within the conference on "timing, of what and where to build."

AIPAC and other groups with a national presence are gearing up to oppose moves by the Clinton administration to get tougher on Israel.

Jewish Telegraphic Agency contributed to this report.