Israel's Chief of Staff Shaul Mofaz leveled harsh criticism at US President Bill Clinton's proposal for an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, reported Haaretz newspaper.
At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening, Mofaz expressed numerous reservations about the American plan, saying it exposed Israel to very serious security problems, and that Israel's ability to maneuver would be considerably reduced in the face of future threats, said the paper.
Mofaz also expressed concern that the Israeli settlement enclaves remaining in the territories would find themselves in an unbearable situation vis-a-vis the Palestinians, according to Haaretz.
It also said that Mofaz warned of the danger posed by the smuggling of large quantities of weapons from Arab countries to the Palestinian Authority if Israel is unable to supervise borders effectively.
According to the paper, a considerable number of Mofaz's comments related to the Jordan Valley.
According to the Israeli army, a map drafted according to Clinton's plan shows that Israel would not be able to defend itself properly in the face of a threat from the east, said the paper.
The army seeks to preserve a security strip about 15 kilometers wide in the Jordan Valley, from the Jordan River to the 'Allon' highway.
Ministers commented that, according to Mofaz, the Clinton plan would expose Israel to great danger and is almost out of the question from a security standpoint. One of those present at the meeting said he emerged "stunned" after hearing Mofaz's assessment, as reported by Haaretz.
Senior military officers expressed surprise and leveled harsh criticism at the American plan, said Haaretz -- Albawaba.com
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