Cablegate: Engaging the Goi On Procedures at West Bank

VZCZCXYZ0013
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #7652 3172219
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 132213Z NOV 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV PRIORITY 9898
INFO RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN PRIORITY 3907
RUEHJM/AMCONSUL JERUSALEM PRIORITY 6094

UNCLAS STATE 117652

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ODIP KREC KTIA ASEC EAID KWBG PREL IS
SUBJECT: ENGAGING THE GOI ON PROCEDURES AT WEST BANK
CROSSINGS

REF: JERUSALEM 1966

1. (U) This message includes an action request for Embassy
Tel Aviv in para 3.

2. Per reftel, the crossing procedures currently employed
by the GOI,s Crossing Points Authority at the Jalameh
crossing between Israel and the West Bank are inconsistent
with prior practice at Jalameh and current practice at other
check-points between Israel and the West Bank and within the
West Bank. The lack of clear and consistent procedures pose a
potential security concern for USG personnel, and need to be
clarified. Although this is not an issue of legal obligation
under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, it has
been GOI past practice to treat consulate vehicles as having
diplomatic protection.

3. (SBU) Action Request for Embassy Tel Aviv: Post is
requested to approach the GOI at appropriate level to ask
that the GOI clarify the procedures employed at West Bank
crossings and check-points. Post should accomplish the
following objectives:

-- Request clarification from the GOI on the security
procedures employed at West Bank crossings and check-points.

-- Obtain GOI commitment to employ uniform procedures at all
crossings and check-points.

-- Express concern that disparate and unpredictable security
procedures may impact the safety and security of USG
personnel. Request that crossing procedures do not
jeopardize the ability for USG personnel to travel to the
West Bank.
CLINTON

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