Strategic Assessment

In the post-Annapolis era and in the intermittent talks between Israel and the Palestinians, much is heard about discussion of the core issues – borders, security, Jerusalem, and refugees. On the other hand, little is heard about the subject of water, and it seems that the issue has long fallen into oblivion. However, following several dry years in succession, and when Israel’s and the Palestinians’ water reserves are shrinking to crisis proportions, it is important to direct the spotlight to a less security-political oriented issue, the division of water from the Mountain Aquifer, a water source shared by Israel and the Palestinians. Now is an appropriate time to examine how significant this issue will be when it is raised in the talks, and what can be done at this stage to achieve a future agreement.