The Israelis wanted the construction of a water canal from north to south on Arab land. According to the delegation, it was essential for the canal to run entirely through Israeli territory. Only Jewish areas would benefit by it so that it held no common interest for both parties. Therefore, the territory, including Tulkarm, Qalqiliya and most of the villages of the coastal plain should be annexed by Israel. This would double the 1947-allotted Jewish area, aside from the Negev.From Ethridge. USDel at Lausanne commenting separately on Israel note Telegram 2413, 12 June 1949. FRUS, 1949, pp. 1124–1125. US Department of State Israel also wanted the entire western shore of the Dead Sea.
