Poll finds some Jordan Valley settlers want to leave

Amid talk of annexing Jordan Valley to preserve Jewish communities, many Jewish residents actually wouldn't mind leaving.

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
Jordan valley settlement 311 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Jordan valley settlement 311
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A poll conducted in one of the regional councils in the Jordan Valley found that residents there are interested in being evacuated in return for proper compensation, and a chance for real peace with the Palestinians.
The poll was taken by the Center for Diplomatic Macro- Economics and sponsored by the left-wing organization Blue White Future, which advocates for the passage of legislation compensating settlers to leave their homes.
It was taken amid talk of annexing the Jordan Valley, and keeping the Jewish communities there.
Among residents of the Arvot Yarden Regional Council, 36 percent said they were willing to leave for proper compensation whether or not a diplomatic agreement with the Palestinian Authority was made.
If there will be a peace deal, 62 percent would be willing to evacuate their homes.
Head of Blue White Future Gilead Sher, who was bureau chief in prime minister Ehud Barak’s administration, attacked Likud MK Miri Regev’s Jordan Valley annexation bill.
“The bill’s goal is to torpedo any chance for a diplomatic solution,” Sher said. “It is completely disconnected from what is happening in the field, and would make hostages out of Jordan Valley residents.
“Israel should enable residents of Judea, Samaria and especially the Jordan Valley to return to the borders of the country, which will be decided in a peace agreement or in a decision by the government.”