Name: Joel Underwood (jru117@psu.edu)Public Forum Outlet: HaaretzPublic Forum Outlet Website: http://www.haaretz.com/Letter: To the Distinguished Editor of Haaretz:

As a concerned United States citizen and student at Pennsylvania State University who happens to be an ardent defender of Israel’s right to existence and security; I see unique opportunity for renewing peace talks in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Perhaps Israel and the Palestinian Authority can find momentum on common ground by sharing solutions to a common problem. If good faith exists on both sides of the conflict and the thirst is really for peace; then fresh water conservation may be a catalyst for peace.

As highlighted frequently in Haaretz, Israel has been on the cutting edge of technological innovation for water conservation—efficient desalination, drip-water irrigation, wastewater reclamation. The creativity and vitality of this environmental innovation has introduced sustainability in a way other nations cannot boast. The Washington Post points out a stunning claim of the economic ministry: “Israel’s total water consumption remains nearly at 1964 levels — even though its population has quadrupled to 8 million people…” (William Booth; October 25, 2013). The “Start-Up Nation” has created the solution to overutilization of fresh water aquifers. The question is, Is Israel willing to share the solution? According to International Business Times; water-related projects brought up for approval by Israeli government agencies for West Bank Arab-Palestinian populations are often the last to be approved, if ever (Gabriele Barbati; July 12, 2013).

Admittedly, the Palestinian Authority is known for its mismanagement of water infrastructure in the West Bank, even for those projects over which they do have full jurisdiction. Even worse, the Hamas-led government in the Gaza Strip is infamous for its re-directing of international monetary aid from civilian infrastructure (i.e. desalination plants, water reclamation facilities) to military infrastructure (i.e. terror tunnels into Judea). Israel is not alone in responsibility for the vulnerability Palestinians face when it comes to their water supply. One cannot expect Israel to dangle fresh water cooperation as an incentive for mercy. Israel’s recognition and security is non-negotiable.

However, if Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government began negotiating from a position of strength towards the end of environmental justice, imagine how the doors to progress could re-open! Perhaps quenching the thirst of Palestinians will quench the fires of political tension. International monetary aid to both Israel and the Palestinian Authority should be conditioned towards this end. Serious cooperation on the updating of Palestinian fresh water infrastructure is not an option; it’s a mandate. At stake is not only the environment, but also the future viability of reconciliation in Israel and Palestine. There are many olive trees in Israel and Palestine, yet cooperation on fresh water may be the one olive branch that heals the wounds of war.

Thank you!

Respectfully,

Joel Underwood