In 1933, the future first prime minister of Israel, David Ben-Gurion, had a vision of peace for the area that was remarkably similar to the peace accord signed this past September. Upon discussing the matter, he shook hands with then Palestinian leader, Musa Alani. BenGurion’s effort was, as we know, unsuccessful. Sixty years would pass before a handshake between Jewish and Arab leaders would mark a formal peace agreement between these long-standing enemies.
The details of the agreement now in effect call for the rapid implementation of practical steps to bring peace to the area. Within three months Israel and the PLO are to have a Palestinian police force in place to keep order in Gaza and Jericho. Four months after that, Israeli troops are to be fully out of Gaza and Jericho. By July 12, 1994, Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza are to hold elections for a self-governing council.
Recent developments
Pope John Paul II met in Milan with the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Lau, offering the Vatican’s moral support to the latest peace moves in the Middle East (New York Times, Sept. 11, 1993). This was the first visit between a Roman Catholic head of state and one of Israel’s chief rabbis since the founding of the Jewish state.
Recently, more than 40 nations (many of them Arab and formerly communist countries) have moved to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, leaving the Vatican relatively isolated in its position. Full diplomatic relations between Israel and the Vatican will probably be established in the near future.
Economic boom
The new diplomatic ties that are developing combine with two other factors that will provide Israel with a tremendous potential for economic growth. Obviously, having normal diplomatic relations improves Israel’s ability to do business in a country. Second, many of these countries are the ones with the greatest need for Israel’s scientific and technical expertise. Third, many of Israel’s new immigrants know the language and the customs of the potential new customers because they used to live there. Anyone involved in international trade will realize what a tremendous advantage this provides.
The NY Times reports, “The most important peace dividend is probably the least tangible: that is an end to the outcast status that has blocked closer trade and investment links with (other nations) in the world” (Sept. 15, 1993).
Role of United States
It is interesting to note that during the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38, Sheba, Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish (Biblical terms for the English-speaking people) evidently do not take direct military action against the northern invader. This could suggest the United States will not view Israel as a patron nation it must defend.
Perhaps not coincidentally, the current peace accord was formulated with the help of the Norwegian government, not the Americans. Furthermore, the American government apparently does not intend to become involved in the implementation of the peace process. U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher stated, “We will not be directly involved in implementing the Israeli-Palestinian agreement because the two sides seem to want to make these arrangements themselves.” The United States thus finds itself in the peculiar position of not knowing where it fits as this process unfolds.
In addition, President Bill Clinton has indicated he is willing to help broker a deal between Jerusalem and Damascus but there is ambivalence about the extent of American involvement. President Clinton stated: “We can’t impose ourselves on the parties” (NY Times, Sept. 19, 1993).
With these developments in U.S. foreign affairs, we may be seeing the growth of neo-isolationism in the States. The interests of the current president would reinforce such a trend as he prefers domestic to foreign matters.
Jordan
Two days after the Palestinian-Israeli accord, Israel and Jordan signed an agreement that provides the basis for resolving 45 years of hostility. According to the NY Times, “The agreement represents the most important step the two countries have taken towards making peace. The first steps are the lifting of the ban on travelers with Israeli stamps on their passports, phone and communication links are to be established, water resources allocated and boundary disputes settled. The onset of the new year will bring joint industrial and maritime projects, as well as an opening of the trade barriers that have been in place since Israel’s inception” (Sept. 15, 1993).
Opening the peace floodgates
What started as a trickle has developed into a flood. On his return from Washington DC, Prime Minister Rabin’s plane stopped in Rabat, Morocco in order to discuss peace with the reigning monarch, King Hassan. “King Hassan spent several hours with Prime Minister Rabin and both endorsed the current peace settlement and the king also held out his hand to Rabin by suggesting peace could be achieved between Rabat and Jerusalem” (NY Times, Sept. 14, 1993).
Prior to the signing of the peace accord, President Clinton phoned several world leaders in an attempt to gain their support. It was in this context that President Assad of Syria indicated that his government would not interfere with developments. In fact, Syria would seek a peace settlement with Israel if, in Syria’s opinion, Israel lived up to the terms and conditions of the arrangements they made with the Palestinians.
Foes against peace
One need only read scripture to anticipate which nations would oppose the peace pact. As reported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on September 18, only two nations have come out opposed to the accord. Libyan President Muammar Qaddafi and Iranian President Rafsanjani have both expressed outrage at the pact. Both see the agreement as a compromise by the Palestinians. Persia (Iran) and Libya will be with the northern invader (Ezk. 38).
Rabin’s remarks
Prime Minister Rabin concluded his speech on the White House lawn with the words, “May He who brings peace to His universe bring peace to us and all Israel.” Only a few in the crowd knew the words were taken from a Jewish prayer that is recited at the graveside, and repeated regularly by Jews around the world, as they mourn the loss of a loved one, yet look forward to the day when true peace will come upon Israel.
Those of us who marvel at the astonishing turn of events, realize that ultimate peace will only come to Israel through divine intervention.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One