Way back when, it seemed like too good to be true when the idea of “autonomy” for Arabs in YESHA was first proposed. Of course they should take responsibility for their garbage collection, road building etc.
According to Wikipedia, the idea was first suggested by Yigal Allon of the Labor Party, soon after the 1967 Six Days War. But according to the Jewish Virtual Library, and my memories, it was Menachem Begin’s plan after he became Prime Minister in 1977. In a sense then a probably both right. That’s because Begin was the one who made it happen.
… With the establishment of peace we shall propose the introduction of an administrative autonomy for theArab residents of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip on the basis of the following principles:
The administration of the military rule in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip will be abolished. In Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip an administrative autonomy of, by and for the Arab residents will be established. The residents of Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip will elect an administrative council which will be composed of 11 members. The administrative council will act according to the principles postulated in this document. Every resident 18 years old or older, regardless of his citizenship or the lack of it. will be entitled to vote for the administrative council. Every resident who is 25 years old or older the day the list of candidates for the administrative council is presented will be entitled to be elected to the administrative council. The administrative council will be elected in general, direct, personal, equal and secret elections.
The administrative council will establish the following departments: department of education: department of transportation: department of construction and housing: department of industry, commerce and tourism: department of agriculture: department of health: department of labor and social betterment, department for the rehabilitation of refugees: department of legal administration and supervision of the local police force. The administrative council will issue regulations pertaining to the activities of those departments.
Security and public order in the areas of Judea, Samaria and Gaza will he entrusted to the Israeli authorities….
So, is that another of Menachem Begin’s big tragic mistakes? I think so. These seemingly harmless domestic responsibilities given to the Arabs here have morphed into dangerous terror states recognized as real states/countries by most of the world and all of the international bodies from the United Nations to the Olympics. And it has puffed up and strengthened Hamas, which unabashedly supports terror against Jews.
You know what’s said about the road to hell being good intentions….