In this issue we continue to look at the lies collated by the Simon Wiesenthal Centre that are commonly presented by Israel’s opponents in the Israel-Palestine debate.
Lie # 2
Had Israel withdrawn to its June 1967 borders, peace would have come long ago.
Simon Wiesenthal Centre response
Since 1967, Israel has repeatedly conceded, ‘land for peace’. Following Egyptian President Sadat’s historic 1977 visit to Jerusalem and the Camp David Peace Accords, Israel withdrew from the vast Sinai Peninsula and has been at peace with Egypt ever since.
In 1995, Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel but neither the Palestinians nor 21 other Arab states have done so. In 1993, Israel signed the Oslo Accords ceding administrative control of the West Bank to the Palestinian Authority (formerly the PLO). The PA never fulfilled its promise to end propaganda attacks and drop the Palestinian National Charter’s call for Israel’s destruction.
In 2000, Prime Minister Barak offered Yasser Arafat full sovereignty over 97% of the West Bank, a corridor to Gaza, and a capital in the Arab section of Jerusalem. Arafat said NO. In 2008, PA President Abbas nixed virtually the same offer from Prime Minister Olmert. In 2005, Prime Minister Sharon unilaterally withdrew from Gaza. Taken over by terrorist Hamas, they turned dismantled Jewish communities into launching sites for suicide bombers and 8,000+ rockets into Israel proper. In 2010, Prime Minister Netanyahu renewed offers of unconditional negotiations leading to a Palestinian State, but Palestinians refused, demanding more unilateral Israeli concessions, including a total freeze of all Israeli construction in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Biblical perspective
The 1967 borders
From June 5th to 10th 1967, Israeli forces took control of the Gaza strip, Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan heights. This expanded territory aligned the borders of Israel more closely with historic biblical borders and has prophetic significance.
In Luke 21:24 we read “… and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled”. This portion of the Olivet prophecy implies that Jerusalem would have a period of Gentile rulership commencing with the Romans in 70 AD and it would then return to Jewish control. Verse 28 of the same chapter reads “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh”. It seems likely that Jerusalem will be under Jewish control at the coming of Christ. This may include Jewish control of East Jerusalem which began in 1967.
Ezekiel also prophesies about the time of the end and speaks of Gog invading “the mountains of Israel” (Ezek 38:8). This passage may refer to Israel controlling the West Bank at the time of Armageddon. Perhaps the phrase “mountains of Israel” includes the territory of the West Bank with its rugged mountainous terrain west of the Jordan.
Jerusalem
It is no surprise that the control of Jerusalem is accompanied by controversy. Zechariah says “And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it” (12:3). This prophecy has proved true throughout time and has special significance in the lead up to Armageddon.
Peace
Obtaining true peace out of the controversy surrounding Jerusalem and the borders of Israel is not humanly achievable. True peace is much more than nations living side-by-side without conflict – true peace is given by God (Lev 26:6) as a blessing to those who keep His commandments. Peace is described as the end product of righteousness (Isa 32:17), bringing quietness and assurance forever. We are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psa 122:6) and we can be assured that the peace of God will come to this city, but only when His son rules in righteousness (Psa 72:7).