Israel Considers Leasing East Jerusalem

Israel and the Unites States are secretly discussing a deal in which Israel would lease lands in East Jerusalem from a new Palestinian state for a period of 40 to 99 years, according to a report from Asharq al-Awsat, an Arabic language London paper, summarized in Haaretz. In exchange, Palestine would at last become an independent state.

An Egyptian source described the talks as “more quiet than secret,” saying they were “meant to try to save the peace process.” The Palestinian Authority has only recently become aware of the proposal, however, and hasn’t yet been given the details. (More Israel and Palestinians stories.)