Strategic Assessment

Most of the strategic discourse in Israel and the Middle East today focuses on the separation barrier (commonly known as the “fence,” “security fence,” or “wall”) and the unilateral disengagement plan initiated by the Israeli government. Public attention dwells on the broader framework of the plan as well as its details, overshadowing the fundamental issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At the end of the day, however, the parties will have no choice but to address these issues which, if left unresolved, will stymie all chances of settling the conflict. Indeed, key issues such as the right of return, the 1967 borders, and the future of the settlements in the occupied territories are an essential if somewhat veiled component in the Israeli unilateral withdrawal initiative. They were addressed by Prime Minister Sharon and President Bush in the letters that the two leaders exchanged in April 2004 on the basic principles of the Israeli disengagement plan.