Here’s a subtle but important concrete reason why the Palestinians cannot unilaterally proclaim their independence from Israel.Palestinians living in Judea and Samaria want to proclaim independence. However, without a bilateral agreement, that’s not likely going to happen. Palestinian commerce is totally dependent on Israel. It’s the basics: Currency, electricity, gas, employment in Israel, etc…

If asked, would the resident of this Silwan home opt for Palestinian Independence? Would he be willing to give up his Israel Cable TV (See the Yes satellite dish)? What if he had to pass an international border to get to work? You get the picture? Without Israel and the Palestinians coming to bilateral terms, it is very unlikely that a Palestinian State could survive on its own.

Silwan is actually the historical City of David, just on the southern side of the Old City of Jerusalem. When King David ruled, what is today known as the Palestinian village of Silwan was the real Jerusalem as described in the Torah. It’s ironic how history changes the ‘facts on the ground’.

silwan israel