Ignoring Israel’s numerous redeployments in the West Bank in accordance with the Oslo accords, Milton Viorst (Op-Ed, May 24) does not mention that Israel has, so far, upheld its end of the deal.

The Palestinians have not, as we saw when Palestinian police fired at Israeli soldiers and civilians.

Israel has made painful territorial concessions ever since the signing of the accord seven years ago, while the Palestinians continue to make demands while failing to commit themselves to the basics of the very agreement they signed.

As long as the Palestinians do not assume the responsibilities that come with the land and authority they are being given as part of the Oslo framework, they will never gain Israel’s confidence and there will be no true advancement in the process.

BETTY EHRENBERG
Director, International Affairs Orthodox Union
New York, May 26, 2000