FUTURE OF OSLO (Continued from p.8) Israel to proceed with the accords, despite the harm being done to her own strategic position. The accords have brought to the fore a critical component of Zionism which states that anti-Semitism will one day disappear when the world recognizes Jewish normalcy via the acceptance of Jewish nationhood. Thus, the Israelis believe they are always one more "confidence building measure" away from international acceptance. This is based on the Israeli miscalculation, embedded deeply in the Israeli psyche, that threatment of the PLO is a litmus test for Israeli acceptance into the community of nations. For example, the absence of the death penalty for terrorists in Israel, the release of PLO terrorists not eligible for release under the umbrella of the accords and Mr. Netanyahu's recent decision not to extradite Moussa Abu Marzook from the United States reflects Israel's attempt to prove her extraordinary ability, as a model state, to forgive and forget. Inadvertently, Israel is in essence proving the Arab claim that she wronged the PLO and must repent. As a result, the PLO is absolved of the necessity of reciprocal "confidence building measures" and from refraining from using terror. Ironically, Mr. Netanyahu recently asked a reporter when the media would begin to expose the PLO's lies and recognize that they, not the Israelis, are the obstacle to peace. It is as if the Israelis are expecting a miraculous epiphany on the part of the international community when the justice of Israel's cause will be recognized and all of Israel's problems will be solved. In fact, on the eve of the Hebron withdrawal, Mr. Netanyahu explained to the Knesset that now Israel had "international guarantees of Palestinian reciprocity," marking a new era of Israel's relationship with the world. However, Mr. Arafat's contrived crises regarding Israel's right to develop land on Har Homa and the predictable international condemnation of Israel quickly proved Mr. Netanyahu wrong. Israel's error has been to allow Palestinian Arab violence and threats of violence to go unpunished. According to Jonathan Stevenson, writing on the subject of Northern Ireland in the Winter 1996-97 issue of Foreign Affairs, when dealing with the so-called "reformed" terrorists, legitimate nations "should never allow [any] violent backsliding to go unpunished. Otherwise, the terrorist group will only be emboldened by [Israeli] leniency" and the terrorists will be given no reason to give up their violent methods. Mr. Arafat's May 1, 1997 announcement that he was ready to resume the stalled negotiations without a guarantee that Israel freeze settlement development indicates that when Israel stands firm, the Arabs are likely to back down. Before resuming the negotiations, Israel must ensure that she is no longer on the defensive every time a mini-crisis erupts. The solution to Israel's predicament is to establish realistic goals and to proceed to implement her policies in such a way that enhances her strategic position. In order to ensure the preservation of Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem, the Galilee and the

remainder of Judea and Samaria, Israel must abandon her universalist dream of integration into the Middle East as a stepping stone to international acceptance. The world is obviously carrying too much historical baggage to unconditionally accept a sovereign Jewish State. Thus, Israel should expect more one-sided international criticism. Considering the prevalance of the utopian doctrine of "globalism," the anti-Israel dream of an internationalist and divided Jerusalem will persist into the future and, therefore, Israel must act to counter this trend. However, as long as Israelis and Diaspora Jews are divided as to the vital necessity of a strong, sovereign Jewish State, the Arab and international elements who seek to weaken Jewish statehood will continue to join forces with the universalist factions in Israel and the Jewish Diaspora to pressure Israel to sacrifice her national interests. Marc Baker is an attorney in private practice. VISIT ISRAEL WITH AMERICANS FOR A SAFE ISRAEL Americans For a Safe Israel will be joining with Chizuk #7 in their semi-annual solidarity mission to Israel, July 1-14. The entire cost of the trip will be $1,995, plus registration and airport taxes. Interested parties should contact Helen Freedman at the AFSI office, 212-828-2424, or Bruce Rudolph at the Chizuk office, 212-967-5300, ext. 223. Chizuk's unique trip to Israel, the purpose of which is to give strength to the Jewish citizens of Yehuda, Shomron, Gaza, and the Golan, is one from which we've heard only glowing reports--especially from the many who have participated over and over again. We're told of the great strength received from visiting embattled residents of Hebron, Kiryat Arba, Gush Katif, Netzarim, Kfar Darom, Kever Yosef in Shechem, Kever Rachel in Bethlehem, Katzrin in the Golan, and so many more. Of course, Jerusalem features prominently in the mission, including meetings with Mayor Ehud Olmert and members of the Knesset. David Bar-Ilan, Uzi Landau, Benny Begin, Benny Alon, Ariel Sharon, and Rabbi Eliezer Waldman, and many other distinguished personalities have been amongst those who've met with the Chizuk group. The Chizuk #7-AFSI trip this July 1997 will also feature a meeting with AFSI favorite, renowned author, Shmuel Katz. There's so much to say about the extraordinary nature of this particular mission to Israel. Words don't do it justice. Be there!

Outpost               - 10 -               June 1997