The Effectiveness of the Arab and Israeli Peace Initiatives
Piggott, L & Rutland, S. (1998) "OneLand: Two Peoples" Australia:
Science Press
Bickerton, I & Pearson, M.N. (1990) THE ARAB ISRAELI CONFLICT
Australia: Longman Cheshire Pty Ltd.
CONTESTED SPACES
Chapter 7 - The Peace Process 1973-1979
Key Historiographical Issues
- the meaning of the Camp David Accords
- impact of Likud and the settler movement on the peace process
- impact of Palestinian terrorist activity on the peace process
In 1973 the Arabs' approach to Israel followed the principles set out
in Sept. 1967 Khartoumdeclaration.
No peace with Israel; no recognition of Israel; no negotiations with
Israel.
Major concerns of Israelis (since 1948):
- security of the state
- refusal of the Arab states to acknowledge Israel's right to exist
There were significant developments between 1973 and 1979. Following
the 1973 war, Israel realised it urgently needed to explore ways of
achieving peace with its neighbours as the balance of power in the
Middle East had shifted in the direction of the Arabs.
The Arab-Israeli resolution has become important for international
communities e.g. USA, Soviet Union. The Persian Gulf, oil region is
critically important to the world economy - Europe imports 85% of its
oil needs from the Persian Gulf states and Japan 90%. 1960s - 1970s SU
attempted to extend and supplement its influence in the Gulf region.
LIKUD
December 1973 - national elections
Labour Party, led by Golda Meir and Moshe Dayan
The main opponent was the newly formed party Likud, led by Menachem
Begin - opposed the returning of any territory to Egypt, won 30% of
votes.
WEST BANK ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS
Israel captured the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the 6-day War.
1 million Arabs fell under Israel control.
ISSUES SURROUNDING THE WEST BANK AND GAZA, 1967-1977 (following 1967
war)
Israeli Perspective
- Under Jordanian control (1948-1967) the Palestinians had been kept
politically and socially divided in an effort to limit the growth of
The Palestinian Liberation Organization, whilst proving to have little effectiveness in accomplishing their aims in the period of 1964-1974, had a significant and enduring effect on the events in the Middle East. Created in 1964 on the initiative of Egyptian president Nasser, the PLO would soon become one of the most influential bodies of the Arab-Israeli conflict. Born out of a desire to liberate the Palestinian homeland in an ‘armed struggle’, it was largely responsibly for the fedayeen raids that
enacted on October 24, 1945 after ratification by the five permanent members of the Security Council and with the ratification of the majority of signatories. The UN is an organization of independent states formed in 1945 to promote international peace and security and, due to its unique international character and the powers vested in its founding Charter, it can take action on a wide range of issues through the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and other bodies
“Chief responsibility for the maintenance of peace and security lies with the Security Council. It is therefore essential to its legitimacy that its membership reflect the state of the world.” – French President Chirac’s address to the United Nations General Assembly. Objective The focus of this paper is on the United Nations Security Council reform issue. It will start by giving some history on the United Nations charter and the Security Council. This background will set up a discussion on