Israel Intent on Keeping Jordan Valley
Ilan Peretz is taking a gamble. Forced out of his home last summer when Israel left the Gaza Strip, he has moved to the Jordan Valley, along the eastern edge of the West Bank. Given the area’s strategic value, he doesn’t think Israel will ever leave it. But even when Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks of keeping the valley as Israel establishes its final borders, he refrains from mentioning Jewish settlements there. The Gaza experience has taught many Israelis that settlements don’t necessarily add to security. Full Story