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Israel

Middle East Peace Talks on Hold Amid Ongoing Violence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Efforts to broker a peace between Israelis and Palestinians have hit a roadblock as President Clinton's attempted cease-fire last week failed to take hold. The situation has resulted in Israel considering unilateral moves to disentangle its territory and economy from the Palestinians, while Arab leaders call for a temporary freeze on new ties with Israel. However, drastic actions can still be avoided if violence decreases significantly in the coming days.

Key Takeaways:

  • The cease-fire brokered by President Clinton never took hold, and Israel is now considering unilateral moves to separate its territory and economy from the Palestinians.
  • Arab leaders have called for a temporary freeze on new ties with Israel, while President Arafat's speech at the Arab leaders' summit meeting offered some encouragement for a return to peace negotiations.
  • President Arafat needs to give clear instructions to the armed militia of his Fatah movement to avoid further confrontations with Israeli soldiers and Jewish settlers.
  • The Palestinian police force must prevent stone-throwing and ensure that Palestinian civilians stay away from Israeli positions to protect lives and maintain a chance for peace.
  • Israel must use minimum force and avoid vigilantism to prevent escalation.
  • A "timeout" from peace talks has been declared, and Israeli officials are drawing up plans for walling off Palestinian population centers militarily and economically.
  • If separation plans go ahead, it is hard to see how Israel will achieve lasting security or stable relations with Arab neighbors.

Statistics:

  • Over 120 people have been killed and thousands wounded in the recent violence.
  • President Arafat spoke of his desire for "permanent, just and comprehensive peace" at the Arab leaders' summit meeting.
  • The Palestinian police force is large and well-armed, and its role in preventing stone-throwing is crucial.
  • Israeli Prime Minister Barak has declared a "timeout" from peace talks and ordered plans for partitioning Palestinian population centers.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • Arab leaders' summit meeting declaration
  • Yasir Arafat's speech at the Arab leaders' summit meeting
  • President Hosni Mubarak's statement
  • King Abdullah's statement

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