Former head of the Israeli Civil Administration Brig. Gen. Ilan Paz speaks with Middle East Progress regarding the territories he formerly oversaw. He indicates that 270,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, not including Jerusalem, and that the only outpost removal occurred with the highly controversial Supreme Court decision to dismantle the Hebron house. However, he does state that Israel removes some critical roadblocks to ensure freedom of movement within the West Bank. He heralds U.S. funding for Gaza reconstruction as a manner to embolden the West as opposed to permitting Iran additional empowerment over Gazans by being the benefactor for redevelopment. Regarding negotiations for the return of abducted IDF sodlier Gilad Shalit, he cautions solely releasing Hamas prisoners and encourages the release of some Fatah loyalists as well.
