Danny Dayan: ‘Some West Bank settlers would be willing to evacuate for right price’

According to secret American diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks, Chairman of settlements council told U.S. Embassy officials in Israel he \'understands the Palestinians.\'

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Jewish Journal

April 6, 2011

Danny Dayan, the chairman of the Yesha Council of West Bank settlements, told U.S. officials that some settlers would be willing to move to Israel proper in exchange for financial compensation, according to confidential State Department cables obtained by WikiLeaks.

Dayan also said he was opposed to some of the tactics employed by Israeli settlers and that he was in favor of removing roadblocks and checkpoints to ease conditions for the Palestinians.

His statements, which were made in closed-door meetings with U.S. diplomats in Israel in recent years, came in response to questions about a potential evacuation-compensation bill in the Knesset. When asked about the issue, Dayan replied: “I’m an economist, and I know that some people will take it if the price is right.”