Dear Sir:

    In his skewed analysis of the "peace process," Abba Eban blames only the policies of Prime Minister Netanyahu for its failure. (Op-Ed "Netanyahu's Polices Have Sunk Israel's Dream of Peace" March 18, 1999) He makes no reference to Arab responsibility or the countless Palestinian violations of the Oslo, Hebron and Wye accords.

    Eban lauds the "dramatic peace celebration on the White House lawn" and the existing treaty with Egypt as examples of a "new regional order in the Middle East." But everyone knows that the peace treaty with Egypt is a dismal disappointment, with Egypt refusing Israel entry to its regional conferences. And Arafat made a mockery of shaking hands with Yitzak Rabin z"l when, the next day, he reaffirmed to a Palestinian audience the PLO's goal of destroying Israel an event buried by the media.

   He cites the Hebron Agreement signed and fulfilled by the Netanyahu as proof that the Oslo accords are a "compelling force." But he ignores the continuous Arab riots and rock throwing in Hebron, and Arafat's refusal to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure, as called for in both accords.

   Eban calls Israel's ground-breaking on Har Homa, a "reckless decision." But I question whether Eban would truly object to this legitimate real estate development had it not been for Arafat's violent reaction to it.

   Eban applauds Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's "time-out" proposal on establishing new settlements and scorns Israel's rejection of it .But the numerous illegal Palestinian buildings seem to have conveniently escaped him and the media.

   He chastises Israel for refusing to accept this proposal, thereby missing an opportunity for a "successful era of cooperation between the United States and Israel."

   But it is the Clinton Administration that has turned its back on the basic principles that have defined US policy for decades. These are; direct negotiations between Israel and the Arabs; not imposing solutions by outside parties; and the goal of real peace with secure borders for Israel.

   By imposing a 13% withdrawal by Israel, then negotiating with Israel on behalf of the Palestinians, the Clinton Administration has jeopardized its relationship with Israel as a trusted ally.

   Abba Eban ends his piece by asking "What happened to our dream of new regional order.

   Senator Connie Mack (R-FL) asked a more poignant question on the Senate floor on March 3. "How is it possible to engage in peace negotiations with people who maintain the right to obliterate you, who are filled with hatred toward you, who harbor the dream of one day destroying your homeland? Many people seem to think that if we do not confront these obstacles to peace and if we look the other way, then we will be able to come to an agreement. The reality is just the opposite. If we do not acknowledge the attitudes and acts of those at the peace table, then the peace process is already over, and we just won't admit it."

   Leonard Getz

   President

   Zionist Organization of America

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