In the September Tidings, we considered the new Israeli government and its movement for peace in the Middle East. During the past two months, interesting developments have taken place.
Land for peace!
This is the primary cry. Bushra Kanafani, spokesman for the Syrian delegation to the peace talks indicated that “a complete withdrawal of Israel from the Golan Heights is necessary for peace to be achieved, there can be no compromise, it must all be returned” (Toronto Globe & Mail, October 7, 1992).
Jordanian officials are demanding access to Israeli water resources and to the Mediterranean Sea. The Palestinian delegation is pressing for the West Bank, including Jerusalem. There is much political posturing in all of this, with the essential demands known only to a few and reserved for back room deals.
Resolution 242
While the demands seem unreasonable, every nation involved is merely asking Israel to comply with the United Nations resolution 242. That resolution incorporates the “land for peace” approach. It calls for Israel to withdraw its armed forces from territories occupied in the 1967 war. It also provides for the recognition of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every state in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries. The September 11, 1992 New York Times reported: “The resolution has been repeatedly interpreted by the United States, which was a principle drafter of the document in November, 1967, as meaning that Israel should give up most, if not all of the land seized from Egypt, Syria and Jordan in the 1967 war.”
Ironically, as more Jews are returning, the nation is being asked to reduce its territory.
The Times continued that: “Syria’s recent gestures toward Israel have included allowing some of Syria’s Jews, who total about 4,000, to leave the country after years of monitoring their movements and limiting the right of departure. Some reports say as many as 1,000 have already left.” Yemen and Turkey have also allowed some Jews to return to the land. Even these gestures are a continuing fulfillment of prophecy: “Therefore say: This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again” (Ezk. 11:17, NIV).
Too many participants
The talks have been hindered by lack of proper focus. On October 8, following a one-day trip to Israel by Egyptian foreign minister Amr Moussa, Israel announced that they would now accept participation of Palestinians from outside the occupied territories. With this addition, there are now seven delegations, each with its own special interests and each demanding concessions from Israel.
Historic mistrust
Arab-Jew mistrust is not new. While these negotiations have been billed as the first “face-to-face” full-scale Arab-Israel peace talks, they are really “back-to-back” talks, said a senior Israeli official. Both sides spend most of their time with their backs to each other and their eyes looking homeward. They are careful not to say anything that will get them in trouble with their constituencies.
More weapons purchased
As the talks continue, each side increases its military might. Israel has just received confirmation from America that she will be receiving an unspecified number of Apache and Blackhawk Helicopters as well as Patriot Fire Units. “In addition, other measures to help the Israeli military include increased access to American satellite intelligence and military equipment, especially high technology items that would enable Israel to improve its own weaponry” (New York Times, September 27, 1992).
In addition, Syria, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have added military might to their arsenals. The United States has agreed to supply Saudi Arabia with 72F15 fighters as well as missiles which include 362 Hellfire missiles and Patriot Firing Units. The States will sell Turkey 80 F-16 fighters. North Korea is to provide Syria armored tanks and ” S cud-like” missiles.
Peace talk but no action
There may be a desire for peace by the general populace of all nations. And Israel may seek peace with its neighbors. History justifies, however, Israel’s distrust of the Arabs. The Arabs, too, have some basis for their skepticism when they see continued American military support for Israel.
Whatever the final peace negotiations bring, we know that no lasting peace will come to the world until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One