This Independence Day, Israel still turning its back on the Arab peace plan
What would the fathers of Zionism have said had the Arabs presented them with such a proposal 62 years ago?
By Akiva Eldar Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu Middle East peace Israel news"If I am you and you are me, I am not me and you are not you"
- The Kotzker Rebbe.
This was one of our most independent years ever. Completely independently, we decided to welcome the vice president of the United States with an announcement of new construction in East Jerusalem; the deputy foreign minister independently humiliated the Turkish ambassador; the foreign minister independently boycotted the president of Brazil; the Knesset independently sabotaged relations with the European Union via legislation that would limit its donations to human rights groups; the government independently decided to bait the Muslim world by declaring holy sites in the occupied territories as "heritage sites."
The extremists who gathered on Massada also decided independently, some 2,000 years ago, to commit suicide. Since then, the term "independence" has acquired a meaning more complex than an act or decision by an individual or group that takes no account of others or of the environment. In modern Western society, independence is not considered the freedom to do whatever one wishes. Responsible governments, like adult people, must find the right balance between the particular and the global. The policies they shape reflect a compromise between the interests of their own community and the interests of the international and regional community.
Sixty-two years after Israel declared independence, its right-wing government is entitled to decide that the time has come to annex Ariel, Ma'aleh Adumim and the Jordan Valley - just as the Labor government did 43 years ago, when it decided to annex a sizable territory to Jerusalem. This year, too, Israeli citizens are entitled to celebrate Jerusalem Day in the only capital in the world that hosts not a single embassy. Benjamin Netanyahu can even propose that U.S. President Barack Obama append his list of questions to the Wye Agreement, the road map and the Annapolis Declaration. After all, Israel is an independent country.
The winning phrase of the 62nd year of Israel's independence is undoubtedly the angry response Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon would make to reports that the Obama administration intends to present its own peace plan. The man who was Israel's ambassador to Washington said that by doing so, the U.S. would become a "party to the conflict." In other words, today, the U.S. is not a "party to the conflict." The implication is that in order to respect Israeli independence, the American administration is required to forever put up with the Israeli occupation and ignore the settlements. The U.S. is a "party to the conflict" only when Israel requires an airlift of arms, sanctions against Iran or a veto of unpleasant resolutions at the United Nations.
Shortly after the previous independence day, it seemed that Netanyahu had struck the right balance on how the conflict should be resolved between the particularist worldview he shares with most members of his government and the positions of the world's major powers. Moreover, it appeared that the support he expressed in his speech at Bar-Ilan University for a solution of two states for two peoples reflected recognition of the fact that Israel's independence will not be complete until the Palestinians receive their own independent state.
Instead, the Netanyahu government has implemented the views of the majority of independent Israel's Knesset, which supports the policy of settlements in the West Bank and deepening the Jewish hold on East Jerusalem. To fend off pressure from abroad, Netanyahu has once again transformed the Jewish Diaspora into a defensive army against the might of the nations of the world. The leader of "independent" Israel has transformed Jewish activists into "parties to the conflict" between his government and the American administration (we, of course, are allowed to meddle in American politics).
In its 62nd year of independence, as it has every year since March 2002, Israel is taking advantage of its independence to turn its back on the Arab Peace Initiative. This year, too, it is ignoring a plan that offers it normalization in return for a withdrawal from the occupied territories and a just and agreed resolution to the problem of the Palestinian refugees in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 194.
What would the fathers of Zionism have said had the Arabs (with the support of all Muslim countries) presented them with such a proposal 62 years ago? And what significance do the wonderful words of the Declaration of Independence have today: "We extend our hand to all neighboring states and their peoples in an offer of peace and good neighborliness, and appeal to them to establish bonds of cooperation and mutual help with the sovereign Jewish people settled in its own land. The State of Israel is prepared to do its share in a common effort for the advancement of the entire Middle East."
It is true that we are entitled to replace the hand extended in peace and neighborliness with a hand that digs the foundations for more outposts and more graves. After all, we are independent. Happy Holiday.
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FROM MOST OF THE RESPONSE NO ONE WANT PEACE,SO BE IT.WHAT HAPPEN TO THE CRUSADERS IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU.
SAudi Peace Plan wasn't a "Starting Point", it was to be accepted "AS IS", not subject to nay type of negotiations Your isertion of the following is a typical diversion from the contents of the "Plan" "When it was proposed, P.M. Sharon sent in the bulldozers to level Arafatt`s home and office. That`s was disgusting, always turning the attention awa y from the real issues." BTW- Our Saudi "Friends" who charged extortionate prices for their own that it brought the world to the verge of bankruptcy Remember the '73 Arab Oil Embargo, well I do, that speaks loads for Saudi impartiallity
If there is, does it include Israel?
The list of demands Israel makes in the so-called "peace deals" is both lengthy and impossible to accept. Demands such as giving up entirely the RoR, NO military, complete Israeli control over the infrastructure, illegal roadblocks, etc. NOBODY in their right minds would accept that. Why would you expect the Palestinians to do so?
Pocession is ninetenths of the law and islam has many lands and riches and must intergrate the majority of the arabs now in israels current borders in their islamic lands . Until then the arabs have prisoner of war status much easier than the geneva population but are under the laws of scrutiny and security.
She sings the blues nowadays.
immature article
We will not join Akiva as he jumps off a cliff. We have survival instincts thanks.
The Arab peace plan was never a sincere attempt to make peace but yet another ruse to trick Israel to let down her guard. This can be found in Arab leaders own words.
have we advised the palestinian leaders to chose non violence?????? and nurture a universal non violence for a change. end incitement, lynching... most palestinians are gentle and kind.... the few violent ones are out control.... the rest is silently suffering....
1. How can Israel claim that they claimed their independence when they were never dependent on anyone and didn't exist at the time they ethnically cleansed the country of Palestine? 2. Where precisely does Israel think it is?
1. How can Israel claim that they claimed their independence when they were never dependent on anyone and didn't exist at the time they ethnically cleansed the country of Palestine? 2. Where precisely does Israel think it is?
Dear Ben, you missed it again. It was (still is) a great peace plan; urged by King Addulah of Saudi and 22 countries signed the Historic document. The Israeli government fail to respond for years except for 6 hours in annapolis maryland where 17 Arab heads of state met with Olmert and Livni. It is intended as a starting point for negotiations--not the spin that its "all or nothing." When it was proposed, P.M. Sharon sent in the bulldozers to level Arafatt's home and office. That's was disgusting, always turning the attention awa y from the real issues.
Its amazing undereducated armchair generals believe in corrupted governments who propose peace as a device to destroy a country.Honesty shows us that the track record of the arab fiefdoms making 'lasting peace' with their adversaries is pitifully poor.If Israel were foolish enough to expose herself to withdrawing before peace was made and expect each arab country to have 'normal' relations she could only be considered a totally moronic state. Israel's cards are on the table- semi-democracy, freedoms for all that outshine any one arab country, commerce and development that makes each arab country with their oil kabillions look like a cultural slum, aiding any country that needs help in times of catastrophen, famine and drought.The list is endless if you care to know.the day one arabcountry wants to progress into the future,it will make peace independent of others & reap the great rewards that will make the middle east a power house of the world.Re:refugees-ours & theirs are tradeoffs.
not iran
McQ: "you conveniently leave out the 'refugees' ". The Saudi Plan drops the demand for a "right of return" for those refugees, McQueen. "Attain a just solution to the problem of Palestinian refugees to be agreed upon in accordance with the UN General Assembly Resolution No 194." There is NOTHING in that line of text that states that Israel must agree to those refugees returning to their homes, precisely because UNGAR 194 allows for the return of refugees to their homes **OR** the payment of compensation in liu. Or, in short: the Saudi Plan is demanding "justice" for the refugees, not their "return".
The Israelis have always stated that the prerequisites for any peace solution are recognition and security. The Arab peace plan provides both, but the Israeli rejection suggests that the continuation of the occupation and settlement expansion takes precedence over any peace.
As is usual for Haaretz opinion columns, Akiva Eldar laments that Israel as a democracy and Jews worldwide as private citizens do not do as he wants. Sorry for making you so ashamed of us Akiva...
As a Palestinian,I do admit to hating jews and being blinded by ones emotions,but that phase has has long left me and I am not looking back.I trully try to understand what does peace mean for Israeli's and when I read comments like the ones posted here I get really discouraged.I,like most of the arabians, distrust the likes of saudi arabia,however,You cannot fault them for not trying,if Israel was in any way open to even contemplate a genuine peace they would have at least responded with a counter proposal or even a gesture of good faith to an idea that could lead to the promise of a brighter future,but nothing.My family left the west bank in 48 and I am sure most refugee's would not want to come back(like myself)if it would involve a genuine peace,the question is,what is Israel truly(No BS) willing to give up for the same thing??I am afraid we all know the answer all too well...nothing.
Why Arab plan is not "as clear cut as you are saying"? If it was there would be peace long ago.
How many times do the Palestinians have to recognize Israel? Arafat did it first many many many years ago.
There you go again from your comforts of the good, ole' USA. You really should read Jewish history, especially Shlomo Sand's latest book. Jews have populated lots of places for many years, and there has been no "continuous occupation for 3000 years" exclusively by Jews of the lands of which you speak. Regardless, American Jews must soon make a choice: support their country (I hope you do love the US) Or support a country which has become dangerous to the US (Read what the General and others have said).
Read my #40 to Omar, it will open your eyes to the fact the "Peace Plan" isn't!!!
Something to be proud of....something to work on....
"The Jews lived in the West Bank for all but 19 of the last 4000 yrs (I`m assuming you mean 48-67)?? You think that the Jews CLEARED OUT in 48 and then moved back in 67?" Prior to 1948 there were Jews living there for thousands of years (take Hebron for example). From 1948 to 1967 there were no Jews living there. After 1967 there were Jews living there. You don't know that simple fact and claim I'm insane? "Ever heard of Besides being irrelevant to the current situation, the idea of an ancient Jewish claim to Palestine is more or less a myth." So, there haven't been Jews living there since ancient times? Are you a complete and total moron? " The Arabs have much closer DNA to the prehistoric humans found there than do the huge influx of Caucasian Jews." Except, DNA studies have proven that the vast majority of European Jews came from that area, imbecile.
i want to say to all my israeli friends happy independence day and we albanians are really supporting you against arabs!greetings from albanians in greece!
Yes Arab plan is clearcut, Jews had to fully agree to it, without exceptions, in advance of mock negotiations Jews weren't and aren't allowed to modify the plan Yup, it's a plan, for the destruction of Israel Those countries you mentioned, well they weren't at peace with Israel before we took the West Bank, so who would be foolish enough that turning over the West Bank would have any meaninful results, other than giving up something that we had to take to protect ourselves
There are plenty of internal conflicts within many independant states. Israel is an independant nation right now. If the Pals aren't willing to act responsibly by rejecting violence, then creating a separate state (including a standing army) would not exactly be good for the Jewish state's continued independance.
The secret's out. We don't want peace. We decided that meeting the needs of our precious settlers, holding on to all of Jerusalem, keeping the Golan, keeping the faith with our religeous Taliban is all more important than peace. Perhaps, even more important, is keeping together the unholy coalition lead by our "leader," Bibi. Soon we will officially join the list of pariah nations. Bibi.
What arab peace plan might you be speaking of,may I ask? Is it any of the 6 wars THEY have started during the past 60 odd years? STOP and wake up!! They want you DEAD!!!Period..
It says that Arabs will recognize only an Israel that commits: - Military suicide, by retreating to indefensible borders, - Demographic suicide, by accepting 1948 Arab refugees' so-called "right of return" to Israel.
The so called Arab peace plan came after 60 years of wars and almost 23'000 Jewish victims. This peace plan was a forced initiative under US pressuire. I do not trust the actual Arab leaders to respect any treaty.
Congratulations Mr.Akiva Elder For the article. I think that both parts must throw away the policy based on עין תחת עין. On the other hand the Modern Israel deserve Peace as well its Neighbours. The peace will bring another relationship with the world community that has commitment with it. The fathers os Zionism would be grateful.
THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION IS A NATION THAT WANTS TO SURVIVE. wE HAVE WON SEVERAL BATTLES IN THIS WAR BUT WE HAVE NOT WON THE WAR. You talk of us being humiliated by those we have defeated. The real issue is how to secure the future of Israel. It is not about what Israeli products can be bought in an Arab country, how many Iranian products are on sale in Israel? The central issue is securing a just peace that does not shit all over the defeated. If you do this you cause unending war that we can never win. Read some history and see what happened to the Crusaders, in spite of many chances they never made peace and where are they now?
Presumably Ben Gurion would also reject the so-called Arab peace plan for precisely the reason most Israelis reject it today: namely it's continuation of the claim of repatriation of refugees into Israel as part of any settlement.
America should turn its back on Israel. Israel should be left to its own devices. Let us see what the outcome is. I fear it will be disastrous for Israel and as a Zionist that will sadden me terribly. Yet maybe the time has come for the rejectionists to discover where their ideals will lead them.
I fear the fathers of Zionism started this whole problem by wanting the land empty of others. In the fifties Israel still wanted southern Lebanon and the Sinai. I do not think Ben Gurion would be happy with a return to the 48 borders. You need to go back to Herzl in hos later life to find some reason.
includes returning millions of Palestinians refugees to Israel, that means changing the character of the State of Israel= wipe the Jewish state of the map , which was the final objective of the Arabs all along! STOP CHEATING
Where do you find them in such numbers?
Reason and morality based on the Tanach, on the words of the ancient prophets of Israel, and based on the character of the UNIVERSAL God whom they served, the Creator God of all the earth and every creature upon it. The Arab Peac Initiative is God's document, reflecting His Divine will, no less than the Bible is God's document. Both are to be respected.
The Jews lived in the West Bank for all but 19 of the last 4000 yrs (I'm assuming you mean 48-67)?? You think that the Jews CLEARED OUT in 48 and then moved back in 67? Besides being irrelevant to the current situation, the idea of an ancient Jewish claim to Palestine is more or less a myth. The Arabs have much closer DNA to the prehistoric humans found there than do the huge influx of Caucasian Jews.
ITS NOT TOO LATE FOR WIDE LAND SWAPS AND BIG RIGHT OF RETURN PROVIDED THE JEWS CONTROL SECURITY IN THE AREAS OF DEBATE BEING A BIG MINORITY IN THE REGION.IT IS A FACT THAT THERE ARE 5.5 MILLION JEWS IN ISRAEL AND 1.5 BILLION ISLAMIC PEOPLES SO FOR IT TO WORK THE JEWS MUST HAVE AN IMMENSE DETERRANT RESERVE.
. . . if they had read the Khartoum declaration? Or if they had known that Gush Etzion (a Jewish enclave under the UN Partition Plan) would become "Occupied Palestinian Territory"? Or if they had seen what was done to the Jewish religious sites in East Jerusalem during the Jordanian occupation? Or if they had seen Resolution 242, which specifically does *not* require Israel to withdraw from *all* of the territory conquered in 1967? Or if they had seen the level of public discourse decline to the point where no one on any side of any issue is capable of expressing a political philosophy any deeper than "four legs good, two legs bad"?
"Israel leaves the West Bank, and nearly a third of the planet`s countries will make peace and normalize relations with Israel. Thats it. Thats basicly the entire plan. With the exception of details over Jersalem, it`s basicly as clear cut as I`m saying." Ethnically cleanse half a million Jews from territories which were only Jew-free for 19 of the last 4000 years in exchange for "normal relations." Wow, no big deal! Those Jews are really nutty for not removing themselves from lands they've lived on for 4 millenia.
The general mobilization of the Diaspora Jews, especially in the US is very risky gamble. Will the Israel lobbyists drive the wedge or dagger throught the heart of the US society? Will the psychological manipulation ignite frustration into acts of violence? What if the unrest in the US explodes in -G-d forbid- civil war, and thereby generate the demise of the 'West"? The 'West' from where the Jews drew most of their resources to create and sustain the Zioist dream??? Can the grizzly hibernating ghosts of times of old be poked to life again when people will start looking for answers. "What were the root-causes of when and where it all begon?" This very specific and clearly orchestrated psychological 'warfare' between Israel, big chunks of the Jewish Diasphora and its 'nemesis' the US seems to recreate many dark milestone events in the course of history of the 'chosen people'. Strange indeed! (collective) self-destructive behaviours seem to be addictive?
the arabs did not have missiles and nerve gas borne scuds.
Nothing is more obnoxious than overgrown College leftists, denying there is Antisemitism, and the right for Jews to their territorial heritage, hostile Arabs or not.
Arab Proposal?Arab peace plan? What are you talking about Mr. Eldar? In what country do you really live?...I remember you that the "Arabs" still have a kidnapped soldier of our Army who was never visited by any of your well loved ogn or any other organization. It is true, Netanyau made several mistakes, but to believe the arabs are ready to make a peace is an even bigger mistake...and tell us, who would be the counter part? (Hamas? PNO?) who will he represent? I have the feeling you wrote your article having lived in a parallel universe last year...as what i saw this year was Hezbolla rearming, Hamas transforming gaza in a dictature and Iran building the nuke... Please respect who died to defend this country especially in this day and do not insult their sacrifice... Thank you
Omar: Sadly, you are wrong. Some time ago, when pressed, Saudi Arabia stressed that the provision of the Peace Plan calling for all Arab states to accept Israel was merely a suggestion, and that each Arab state would decide on it's own what to do and when to do it. An Egyptian official then corroborated this understanding. Sadly, the Arab Peace Plan is smoke and mirrors, nothing more.
I wish this Author did not take so in vain the name of those GREAT Men of past.Study Israel History will you pls. What nation's people any where else, would tell its people to humiliate in front of "declared" enemies who are just trying to blow you out? and enemies whom Israel has defeated time and time again.Amazing, I would like to have seen the US humiliating itself before the Germans for the second time. Havent you learned what it is to obey the ones defeated like the Allies did in front of Germany after WWI, please, do not be so naive. Peace will be posible when Israel is Accepted by the world as an Independant State not a Pseudo State to a religious Group only. Get out of the Ghetto mentality - it is sickening!. jut look around you man, travel to other arab states from Israel, or find an Israel product for sale in an arab state etc, etc and more etc. GET With it will you
This is madness to try and appease someone who kills it's citizens for trying to maintain a relationship with your soon to be next door neighbor.(Not to mention shooting someone for selling Israeli watermelons) A Jew is not safe in their territories but Israel grants citizenship to Arabs. Insane paradox.
They drew lots to murder each other, so they didn't commit suicide. Only the last person standing had to actually commit suicide.
You are the one doing the spinning
it seems that israel is in a de-facto cul de sac. Israel wishes a two state solution that allows her to keep golan (or part of it) as well as portions of the west bank, control over the jordan river and borders, control over west bank communications and airspace, a demilitarized palestine and keeping all of jerusalem. Arabs are not saps they will only sign on to pre-1967 borders with east jerusalem and golan and a right of return for millions of palestinian diaspora displaced to lebanon, syria and jordan. From an israeli perspective this is demographic suicide and will try to enforce its pre-conditions for any final deal. Arabs will reject it, and call for a one state solution. Israel will face an intifada or another war with hamas or hezbollah. A full regional war will erupt bringing an end to the occupation or continued cold war with those same actors. Under the current path, israel is doomed to remain an entity forever at war. long live fortress israel...
Happy anniversary
Happy anniversary
Israel leaves the West Bank, and nearly a third of the planet's countries will make peace and normalize relations with Israel. Thats it. Thats basicly the entire plan. With the exception of details over Jersalem, it's basicly as clear cut as I'm saying.
If only a peace proposal had been made 62 years ago. However, it wasn't, and so the numerous wars and terrorism perpetrated against Israel cannot be ignored. Nor the ongoing incitement. Peace cannot come at any price, and Israel has legitimate security concerns. The Arab peace plan is a good starting point, but it is presented as a take it or leave it plan. Does the Arab peace plan recognise Israel as Jewish state???
if the fathers of zionism would be asked: would you like to make peace with a people who will repeatedly use terrorism to achieve their goal to wipe israel off the map? who will accept every gesture of peace (such as giving up gaza strip) with more missile bombardments and using their newly acquired land to terrorize further? EASY QUESTION! a simple NO would do from these fathers of zionism...
I would like to remind you that "settlements" was the innitiative of the Labour governments much before this present "right wing" government. East Jerusalem was annexed by a Labour government in the late 60's, not by a "right wing" government. The Arab peace plan is a recepy for disaster and anyone accepting that, is accepting a sucidal plan for the State of Israel. So Me Akiva Elder, If you are pushing this peace plan, you are no better than the enemies of the Jewish people. I would like to believe that you are just very naive and not an enemy of Israel. But your articles in Haaretz, makes it progressively difficult to believe that. You and people like Gideon Levy should really leave Israel and settle somewhere where people will respect and loive you. Somewhere like Rammalla or Gaza city.
Last I checked it was the Arabs who invaded Israel and who have been at war with Israel since day 1 of their independance. If they where not happy with the pre 1967 boarders then what in the hell makes anyone believe that peace will emerge with those boarders being triggered by one world order elitist now?
Can't he write anything else besides blaming his own country?
Hey Akiva, your obsessive Israel-bashing is fun and all, but if you ever get bored of always blaming Israel for everything, feel free to tell your beloved Palestinians to maybe, someday declare a permanent peace with Israel. Then Israel can go ahead with some of what you suggest. Thanks and have a great day.
Practically speaking, historically speaking, ALL countries "meddle" in the affairs of other countries--when they perceive that (as the saying goes) "they have a horse in the race." And they ALL wax highly indignant over the fact that it's done (by the other guy, of course). Having said that, it seems to me that the trick is to "meddle" in such a way as not to be seen "meddling"--and when you can't pull that off...well, that horse you have in the race, friend?...It had better be really, really FAST!
The "Arab peace initiative" is pure propaganda. I includes a proposition to flood Israel with millions of Palestinian "refugees" who have been nurtured on hating Israel seeking its destruction. It also involves expelling half a million Jews from their homes and villiages. I thought you were against expelling people from thei homes. If you think this will bring peace just look at Gaza. A "peace" deal that requires throwing every last Jew out of historic Jerusalem is absurd. There is no peace without MUTUAL respect and acceptance. How can you promote such transparent obfuscation?
Israel reject right of return of Palestinians refugees in 1949 still reject 2010. After the Palestinians aim genicide against the Jews palestinians both during Arab relovt 1936 tel 1939 and then again after UN pass resolution 181. So how can world ask Israel take back Palestinians refugees many of them aim for genicide againist the Jews in Palestine.
The Arab Peace Plan is a delusion for blind leftists.
as demanded by the arab plan would be such a blessing ?
... never go through the fine print. If they did, the reader would see why it is a non-starter.