Are the Occupied Territories for lease? If so Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is keen on putting in such an offer, according to Israeli Army Radio. Reports have Netanyahu agreeing to the idea, being pushed by the Obama Administration.
Reports from last week had the Obama Administration offering the “lease” as part of part of a deal involving Israel accepting some sort of Palestinian statehood. A number of Israeli cabinet members have bristled at the idea, however, unless the US agrees to make the lease terms longer than a century, saying 99 years or less isn’t worth the bother.
The offer is something of an unusual one, but could serve to provide some justification for Israel’s control over broad swaths of the West Bank beyond military force of arms. But the Palestinian Authority, the presumptive leasors, aren’t so sure on the deal.
Indeed, according to negotiator Mohammed Shatayeh, the Obama Administration hasn’t even broached the subject with the Palestinians, but simply went about trying to sell the idea of Israel leasing the land before finding out if it was available for lease. Shatayeh insists that the Palestinians haven’t discussed the possibility yet, nor did he believe such an offer would be accepted, if indeed President Obama ever asks them.
Why not Obama is ready to lease the palestinians too.
I didn't know that the Palestinian occupied territories was something that the US could offer up for lease. Since when did the US own those lands? I must have missed their purchase.
I am sure Bibi will have Israel lease everything then they will pass a law that the landlord cannot live in the country because the landlord is not the correct religion. The history of the zionist movement is not paying for land. I doubt that this will change but it will make a good sound bit on the news.
Oh, this is rich. Steal property then offer to rent it back to the victim…psychopaths have no shame or conscience.
Lease our own land to us???? This is the end of you, Bibi!!
tomofsnj – before you make any comments, I suggest you do some research concerning Jews purchasing land in Eretz Yisrael.