During April and May, open warfare broke out in southern Lebanon. Israel was goaded into operation “Grapes of Wrath” because of persistent attacks on her civilian population.
An Israeli government publication reported, “The Prime Minister told the Cabinet that Israel embarked on ‘Operation Grapes of Wrath’ after it was unilaterally attacked by Hezbullah which is operating in coordination with Iran, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, who are working together to destroy the peace process and to attack peaceful civilians, whether they be in the northern communities, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or other places.” The Prime Minister noted that military actions began after a long period of restraint and unceasing attempts at diplomatic dialogue. They declared the operation a war of no alternative which enjoyed the support of the entire government.
The fear was that this operation, which resulted in 489 casualties, would shatter the overall peace plan. That does not seem to be the case. Instead it seems to have heightened interest in achieving peace for, even while Israel attacked in the north, the peace process continued unabated.
Covenant modified
On the day before a cease fire was declared in “Grapes of Wrath,” the convention of the Palestinian National Council heard an appeal from Chairman Yasser Arafat to change the manner of its struggle with Israel. “We must honor what we agreed to. We have ended the war, and we must cancel the sections of the Palestinian Covenant that call for the destruction of the State of Israel,” Arafat said. “I ask that this meeting amend the Covenant which opposes the peace of the brave.”
The response of the convention was swift. As reported by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Media Advisor, “The Palestinian National Council decided this evening to change the Palestinian Covenant, and delete all the sections calling for the destruction of the State of Israel according to the wording and style that Arafat had promised.”
This change was regarded as an historical turning point. By so acting, the Palestinians were fulfilling part of the 1993 letters of mutual recognition in which they decided to recognize the State of Israel and to settle the conflict through peaceful means. As well, Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu called the vote a “positive step.” He said a Likud-led government would negotiate with the Palestinians and would insist they fulfill their mandate.
Peace still pursued
In early May, delegations of Israel and the PLO met in Taba, Egypt attempting to further peace discussions. The two sides reaffirmed their determination to put an end to decades of confrontation and to live in peaceful coexistence, mutual dignity and security. They expressed their desire to achieve a just, durable and comprehensive peace settlement and historic reconciliation through the agreed political process.
They reiterated their recognition of their mutual legitimate and political rights and their adherence to the mutual recognition and commitments in the letters exchanged between the PLO and the government of Israel September 9 and 10, 1993. The two sides agreed to form a steering negotiation group comprised of four to five persons from each side that would develop the concept of the permanent status agreement, define the framework and modalities of the negotiations and then establish working groups as required.
The steering negotiation group will meet periodically with the aim of advancing the negotiations in the most effective manner. Israel and the PLO agreed that negotiations on permanent status between them will be conducted on the basis of Article V of the Declaration of Principles, which reads as follows:
Transitional period and permanent status negotiations
- The five-year transitional period will begin upon the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and Jericho area (commenced 1995).
- Permanent status negotiations will commence as soon as possible, but no later than the beginning of the third year of the interim period, between the government of Israel and the Palestinian people’s representatives (now begun).
- It is understood that these negotiations shall cover remaining issues including: Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, security arrangements, borders, relations and cooperation with other neighbors and other issues of common interest.
- The two parties agree that the outcome of the permanent status negotiations should not be prejudiced or preempted by agreements reached during the interim period.
Both sides agreed to expedite their common work in the People to People program as initiated by the government of Norway. Both sides decided to expedite the work of their various committees in order to ensure full implementation of the Interim Agreement.
Not the final peace
In the face of extraordinary circumstances, the peace process is continuing. We know, however, that this is not Israel’s final peace. That will only come when the Prince of Peace rules from Jerusalem.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One