Israel Affairs

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JCRC Middle East Briefings

Israel's government: Israel is the Middle East's only freely elected democracy and the strongest ally for freedom the United States has in the region. The Israeli government has the right to make its own decisions for Israel's security and prosperity, and we support the Israeli government's right to act on behalf of the people who elected it. We recognize that just as not all Americans agree with the U.S. government, not every American Jew - or every Israeli - will agree with the Israeli government. Yet we must not waver in our support for all People of Israel to live in safety.

The peace process: The Israeli and United States governments remain committed to the peace process that has been under negotiation during decades of meetings in Camp David, Madrid, Oslo, Wye River and elsewhere. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has gone further than any other Israeli leader in seeking a settlement of the conflict, including a proposal to turn most of the West Bank into a Palestinian state, Palestinian sovereignty over parts of the Old City of Jerusalem, and even some form of United Nations administration over the Temple Mount. The Palestinians have refused to accept these major efforts to reach peace.

The incitement to violence: Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat has incited this violence by replaying television images of the Intifada and playing nationalistic songs on Palestinian radio. He called for a general strike and closed the schools, assuring that young children would be on the streets to provoke armed Israeli soldiers by throwing rocks at them. This is done in an attempt to gain world sympathy. He also released several Hamas terrorists from prison. Recently, a Muslim cleric in Gaza, in an attempt to turn a political challenge into a religious conflict, preached that followers should "Have no mercy on the Jews, no matter where they are, in any country. Fight them … wherever you meet them, kill them."

Israel's response: The IDF has used much restraint in responding to Palestinian attacks, trying to use tear gas and rubber bullets to quell rioting and rampaging. They have resorted to live fire when absolutely necessary to protect the lives of soldiers and/or civilians.

Ariel Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount: The visit was an excuse by Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat to unleash widespread violence. Anti-Israel violence began days before Likud Party Chairman Sharon visited the Mount -- a visit that had the approval of Palestinian security forces -- and was accompanied by Arab Knesset members.

Travel to Israel: Israeli Minister Rabbi Michael Melchoir, Minister of Israeli Society and the World Jewish Community, said traveling to Israel is the best way to show solidarity and help raise the spirits of Israelis. Many members of Indianapolis' Jewish community have recently traveled to Israel and confirm that this is a critical opportunity for us to show solidarity with our Israeli brothers and sisters.

What You Can Do:

Talk to your friends, colleagues and member of groups with which you affiliate: Your voice is Israel's strongest ally. Share your knowledge with everyone you meet. Ask to get on agendas at organization meetings you attend in both the Jewish and general community. Use the information in this handout to promote the facts surrounding what is occurring in Israel. The more conversations we have, the more we can educate our community and build support for Israel. (Or, contact JCRC if you would like to have a member of our Speaker's Bureau come to your group's event.)

Stay informed: The most important tool we have is information. In addition to what you read in newspapers, the following are good sources for breaking news on the ever-changing situation:

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) - www.aipac.org
CNN - www.cnn.com
Ha'aretz (Israeli daily newspaper) - www.haaretzdaily.com(click on English version)
Israel Defense Forces (Israeli army) - www.idf.il
Israeli Government - www.israel.org
Jerusalem Post (Israeli English-language daily newspaper) - www.jpost.co.il
Jewish Council for Public Affairs - www.jewishpublicaffairs.org
Jewish Telegraphic Agency - www.jta.org
The New York Times - www.nytimes.com
United Jewish Communities - www.ujc.org

Monitor media: Be vigilant as you watch or listen to media coverage. Submit letters to the editor and opinion pieces. Call radio and television station general managers and newspaper editors to ensure balanced coverage. Inform the JCRC if you view coverage that you think requires a response, and please send us copies of anything you submit to the media.

Encourage the U.S. government to continue its support: The U.S. remains Israel's staunchest ally, and Congress and President Clinton have worked tirelessly in support of peace. Thank your representatives and senators for showing solidarity with the state and people of Israel, and ask them to urge the administration to use its veto power at the U.N. to prevent the passage of additional unbalanced resolutions.

Send a message to the U.N.: Let Secretary-General Kofi Annan (c/o United Nations,New York, NY 10017) know that the U.N. should use its authority to condemn the violence and loss of life on all sides, and not pass one-sided resolutions condemning Israel. Urge him to use his influence, and the U.N. to use its authority, to bring about an equitable, just, and peaceful solution as quickly as possible.

Send a message to our friends in Israel: Israel needs to know it has the moral and political support of America and American Jewry. The best way to do this is through personal connections. Call or e-mail friends, relatives, and acquaintances in Israel. Let them know we stand with them during this crisis, and that our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Throughout all the current violence, the Palestinian Authority continues to violate agreements it approved as part of the peace process negotiations with Israel. Among the agreements referred to are The Declaration of Principles (Sept. 13, 1993), the Gaza-Jericho Agreement (May 4, 1994), the Interim Agreement (Sept. 28, 1995), and the Wye River Memorandum (Oct. 23, 1998).

Tanzim activities.The Palestinian Authority (PA) was allowed to establish a police force to be solely responsible for the enforcement of law and order within its areas. The PA promised to confiscate all illegal weapons when it signed the Wye agreements. Yet the Tanzim faction acts as an armed militia in the PA, with the encouragement and support of senior leaders.

Attacks on holy sites. A number of holy sites are specifically identified as falling under PA responsibility. Jewish worshippers were to be allowed unhindered access to them. The Palestinians have not upheld this agreement, have not enabled Jewish worshippers to visit the sites and did not stop mobs from destroying Joseph's Tomb in Nablus and burning the "Peace for Israel" synagogue in Jericho.

Palestinian media incitement. Several agreements mention the prevention of incitement to violence against Israel. In recent weeks the PA has been using the Voice of Palestine and its other official channels to disseminate material inciting Arabs to injure Jews, to damage holy Jewish sites, to kill Jews (and Americans) and engage in acts of terror. These messages increasingly use religious language, emphasizing that the conflict is between Islam and Judaism.

The Palestinian police. The Palestinian police force is supposed to uphold law and order within the Palestinian Authority. Having failed to do so, they have violated all of the agreements, abandoned flashpoints and have even joined the Tanzim in firing on Israeli soldiers and civilians.

What You Can Do:

• Talk to at least one Jewish and one non-Jewish friend every day to clear up misperceptions of what is happening.

• Stay informed of the facts and issues.

• Monitor the media - and react with letters to the editor, phone calls, etc.

• Encourage the U.S. government to continue its support of Israel.

• Encourage the U.N. to become a fair and just arbiter of peace.

• If you have friends or family in Israel, call or e-mail them to show your support, or consider a visit there for a tangible display of solidarity.

The most important tool we have is information. In addition to reports on TV, radio or in newspapers, the following are good sources for breaking news on the ever-changing situation:

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) - Washington-based lobbying group
http://www.aipac.org
CNN - International news network
http://www.cnn.com
Ha'aretz - Israeli daily newspaper (click on English version)
http://www.haaretzdaily.com
Israel Defense Forces - Official Israeli army site
http://www.idf.il
Israeli Government - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.israel.org
Jerusalem Post - Israeli English-language daily newspaper
http://www.jpost.co.il
Jewish Council for Public Affairs - National community relations organization
http://www.jewishpublicaffairs.org
Jewish Telegraphic Agency - News service
http://www.jta.org
The New York Times - National newspaper
http://www.nytimes.com
United Jewish Communities - Umbrella group representing the federations of North America
http://www.ujc.org
The Washington Post - National Newspaper
http://www.washingtonpost.com

Background. The Israeli Knesset (Parliament) is comprised of 120 members elected from political parties, the two largest of which are Labor (Ehud Barak's party) and Likud (Ariel Sharon's party). After elections, the Prime Minister is given the task of forming a ruling coalition; no single party has ever won the required 61-seat majority to rule alone.

Types of government. Prime Minister Barak has discussed forming an "emergency" government. In the past, Israel has formed "national unity" governments with Labor and Likud parties forming a coalition. An "emergency government" would be a temporary coalition lasting only through the current crisis.

Why not an emergency government? A coalition with the Likud, which differs with Labor on its approach to the peace process, would make it difficult for Barak to move ahead on proposals he put forth at Camp David. Sharon blames Barak for the conflict, for making Israel appear weak by offering major (and unacceptable) concessions for peace. He also believes Israel should abandon the goal of a permanent peace agreement in favor of pursuing a long-term interim arrangement, leaving the most difficult issues unresolved. It is also likely that Yasser Arafat perceives this scenario as playing into his hands. Israel will be portrayed as obstructing peace, so Arafat will continue to play on world sympathies that could lead to support for a Palestinian unilateral declaration of statehood. (The U.S. Congress has passed legislation which would withdraw some U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority if such a declaration is made without the agreement of Israel.)

There are also internal issues. Sharon may be reluctant to join an emergency government if he believes it will lay the ground for the political return of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Further, Barak's need to form a coalition with the Likud lessened this week when the religious Shas party agreed to grant the prime minister a one-month "safety net" to deal with the conflict without fear of being toppled.

To date, Barak and Sharon have not agreed on an emergency government. The primary sticking point has been Sharon's demand for veto power over a number of substantive issues. Ha'aretz, an Israeli daily newspaper, reports that Barak approved a proposal under which Sharon would be able to pre-approve decisions on peace negotiations, Israel's response to a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood, and Israeli moves for "unilateral separation" from the Palestinians before the cabinet would hear an issue for approval.

Ha'aretz also quotes sources close to Barak as saying an emergency government, although likely, will not be formed until after the prime minister returns from an anticipated visit to Washington for talks with President Clinton in about two weeks. In addition, most experts do not expect new elections before early next spring.

While Israel has administered the West Bank and Gaza, the Palestinian people have benefited from Israel's delivery of the basic necessities of everyday life, including water, electricity, and employment opportunities. In response to the new Palestinian Intifada and the breakdown in the peace talks, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has talked of "separation" from the Palestinians. The plan was originally announced when Prime Minister Ehud Barak's original deadline for the cessation of violence (October 10) passed unheeded.

Following is the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz report on the plan.

Barak preparing full infrastructure separation from PA
By Ora Coren, Ha'aretz Industry Correspondent, Nov. 3, 2000

Prime Minister Ehud Barak is preparing a full infrastructure separation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, within a period of three to five years. The director-general of the prime minister's office, Yossi Cucik, approved a plan currently being put together under which the infrastructure separation is detailed, including electricity, water, and communications. Economic separation in manufacturing and workforce is currently being carried out, and - according to Barak - no change in the state of this separation is expected. Barak's version of a full separation, however, would be implemented out in stages.

Barak's plan is based on the working assumption that economic relations with the PA will be those of two separate countries. Economic development and cooperation between the two will derive from developments both in the field and on the diplomatic plane.

Cucik said that every Israeli action will be "in order, and will not create insufferable conditions in the areas of the Palestinian Authority … the territories will not be without electricity or medical supplies, and there will not be starvation." He added that "We are interested in such a separation as part of an agreement, but this current separation has been forced upon us."

The workforce of Palestinians employed in Israel is expected to shrink once a full infrastructure separation is implemented. Currently, about 20,000 Palestinians work in Israel, and, said Cucik, if the PA unilaterally declares itself a state, these workers would stop arriving in Israel.

1917 - Balfour Declaration. Statement issued by the British - "His Majesty's Government view with favour the establishment in palestine of a National Home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of this object…"

1922 - The League of Nations adopt the Balfour Declaration, leaving Britain in charge of Palestine (the British Mandate) and assisting the Jews in "reconstituting their national home in that country".

1936 - Arab revolts against Jewish immigration. British forces suppress violence beginning in 1939.

1937 - British suggestion that Palestine be divided into a Jewish and an Arab state.

1939 - British White Paper severely limits Jewish immigration.

Nov. 29, 1947 - United Nations determined the future government of Palestine (Resolution 181). Jerusalem was to be under a special international regime and administered by the U.N., demilitarized and neutral. Residents of Jewish and Arab states would have freedom to enter the city and reside therein. Holy sites were to be preserved and protected. The U.N. resolution was accepted by the Jewish community of Palestine but was categorically rejected by the Arabs, who immediately started attacking Jewish towns and villages, including the Jewish areas of Jerusalem.

May 14, 1948 - Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel

May 15, 1948 - Feb. 24, 1949 - Egypt, Transjordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq join the Arab guerillas in the fight against the Jews. Egypt declares that the cease fire is not an acceptance of Israel.

1956 - Israel, joined by British and French troops, attacks Egypt after Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal and blockades ships calling at Eilat. Israel maintains forces in Gaza.

1957 - Israel leaves Gaza.

June 5, 1957 - June 10, 1957 - Provoked by a massive Arab troop build-up, Israel launches a pre-emptive strike on Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. After six days, Israel occupies the Golan Hights, East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the Sinai peninsula.

June 7, 1967 - Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol convenes the spiritual leaders of all the communities in Jerusalem and assures them that "no harm whatsoever shall come to the places sacred to all religions." The Knesset passes the Preservation of the Holy Places Law, ensuring the protection of the Holy Places against desecration, as well as freedom of access thereto.

Nov. 22, 1967 - U.N. Security Council adopts Resolution 242, requiring Israeli armed forces to withdraw from territories occupied in the recent conflict to boundaries to be agreed upon. Jerusalem was not specifically mentioned.

October 6, 1973 - Egypt and Syria attack Israel on Yom Kippur.

Nov. 19, 1977 - Egyptian President Anwar Sadat visits Jerusalem, paving the way for peace.

March 26, 1979 - Camp David agreement signed. Israel begins withdrawal from Sinai (completed April 25, 1982). The second part of the agreement, dealing with autonomy for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank is never implemented.

Dec. 14, 1981 - Israel annexes the Golan Heights.

June 6, 1982 - Israel invades Lebanon in an attempt to root out the PLO.

Dec. 10, 1987 - Palestinian Intifada.

October 1991 - Following the Persian Gulf War, The Madrid Conference for Peace in the Middle East opens.

Sept. 13, 1993 - Israel and the PLO sign a Declaration of Principles, agreeing to negotiate on the establishment of "a Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority, the elected Council for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, for a transitional period not exceeding five years, leading to a permanent settlement on Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338."

July 1994 - Peace teaty between Israel and Jordan signed.

Sept. 28, 1995 - Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza.

Nov. 4, 1995 - Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin. 

Oct. 23, 1998 - Wye River Memorandum. 

July 2000 - Second Camp David summit fails to result in a peace agreement. 

Sept. 2000 - Violence erupts between Israel and the Palestinians. 

March 26, 1979: Camp David
The second part of the agreement calls for dealing with autonomy for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

Sept. 13, 1993: Declaration of Principles
Agreement to negotiate on the establishment of "a Palestinian Interim Self-Government Authority, the elected Council for the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, for a transitional period not exceeding five years, leading to a permanent settlement on Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338."

May 4, 1994: Gaza-Jericho Agreement
Withdrawal of Israeli administration and forces from Gaza and Jericho, and the transfer of powers and responsibilities to Palestinian Authority. The Agreement includes: Security arrangements; Transfer of civil affairs; Legal framework; Economic framework.

August 29, 1994: Transfer of Powers
Early transfer of powers and responsibilities in specified spheres, in those parts of the territories not included in the Gaza-Jericho Agreement. These spheres include: Education and Culture; Health; Social Welfare; Direct Taxation; Tourism; Other spheres as agreed.

Sept. 28, 1995: Interim Agreement
Comprehensive agreement on the transfer of powers and responsibilities in the West Bank from Israel to an elected Palestinian Council.

Dec. 31, 1995
Redeployment from population centers in West Bank.

Jan. 20, 1996
Elections to the Palestinian Council.

Jan. 17, 1997
Redeployment from Hebron.

Oct. 23, 1998: Wye River
Stage 1 of further redeployment implemented Nov. 20, 1998

Sept. 4, 1999: Sharm-el-Sheikh.
Memorandum.

July 2000
Camp David summit closes without permanent status agreement.

Resolution 181 - November 29, 1947
Partitioned Palestine into two States, one Arab, the other Jewish, with an economic union between them and a special international regime for the city of Jerusalem.

Resolution 212 - November 19, 1948
Assistance to Palestinian refugees.

Resolution 194 - Dec. 11, 1948
Established the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine (UNCCP). Called for the demilitarization and internationalization of Jerusalem.

Resolution 302 - December 8, 1949
Established United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Resolution 237 - 1967
Called upon Israel to ensure the safety and welfare of the inhabitants where military operations had taken place, and to facilitate the return of displaced persons.

Resolution 242 - 1967
Laid down the principles for a peaceful settlement in the Middle East - the withdrawal of Israel's armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict, and recognition of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area, along with the right to live in peace with secure boundaries.

Resolution 338 - 1973
Called for an immediate truce in the Yom Kippur War and asked the parties to begin the implementation of resolution 242 immediately after the ceasefire. The PLO, joined by other Arab States, criticized both 242 and 338 for reducing the Palestinian problem to a question of international charity and for reducing the Palestinians to the status of refugees without national political rights.

Resolution 3236 - November 1974
Reaffirmed the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination without external interference, the right to national independence and sovereignty, and the right to return to their homes and property.

Resolution 33/79
Equated Zionism with racism and racial discrimination.

Resolution 3376 - November 10, 1975
Established Palestinian Rights Committee with the primary mandate to make recommendations to fulfill those rights.

Resolution 46/86 - 1991
Rescinded resolution equating Zionism with racism.

On October 7th, three Israeli soldiers were kidnapped by Hezbollah while patrolling the Israel-Lebanon border. An Israeli civilian was later captured. International relief efforts have been denied. All four remain in captivity.

How Can I Help

• Write letters to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan urging him to continue his efforts to bring about the release of the captives.

• Write letters to President Bill Clinton and U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright urging them to use all channels to tell the governments of Lebanon and Syria to halt the activities of Hezbollah and assist in the timely release of the captives.

• Write letters to members of Congress urging their attention to this matter of important humanitarian concern. (See list.)

• Reach out to international rescue and human rights organizations. (See list.)

• Write letters of support to the families of the soldiers. (See list.)

Sample Letter to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan:

Be sure to sign your letter and send it to:
Kofi Annan, Secretary General, United Nations, New York, NY, 10017.

UNITED STATES OFFICIALS

President William Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Fax: (202) 453-2883
E-mail: president@whitehouse.gov

Secretary of State Madeline Albright
State Department
2202 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20520
Fax: (202) 647-7120

REPRESENTATIVES

Representative Dan Burton
2185 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Office Phone Number (202) 225-2276
Office Fax Number (202) 225-0016

Representative Julia Carson
1541 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4011
Fax: (202) 225-5633
Email: rep.carson@mail.house.gov

SENATORS

Senator Richard Lugar
306 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-4814
Fax: (202) 224-0360
E-mail: senator_lugar@lugar.senate.gov

Senator Evan Bayh
717 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5623
Fax: (202) 228-228-1377
E-mail: senator@bayh.senate.gov

INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH

American Red Cross
431-18th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20006

International Red Cross
2100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 545
Washington, D.C. 20037

Amnesty International
304 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE 5th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20003
Fax: (202) 546-7142
E-mail: aimember@aiusa.org

FAMILIES OF CAPTIVES

c/o Yaron Zeidman
Consul for Information
Consulate of Israel
800 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017

Following are results from a survey of 1,234 Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza conducted by Birzeit University November 6-8. Birzeit is an Arab university of about 4,000 students on the West Bank. Full details can be found at www.birzeit.edu.

• 74% oppose participation of children in confrontations at the barricades.

• 67.5% gave a negative evaluation of the outcome of the Arab summit.

• 73% support military operations against American targets in the region.

• 57.8% support continuation of the peace process on the basis of international legitimacy and UN resolutions.

• 45.8% evaluate the performance of President Arafat positively.

• 80% support military attacks against Israeli targets. Of that, 38% support limiting attacks to settlers and military targets.

• 78% believe that an independent state will eventually be established.

• 3.2% support the continuation of negotiations under U.S. sponsorship, while 39% support U.N. sponsorship.

• 44% believe the right of return can be implemented in full, 44% believe it cannot.

• 85% believe Barak is not qualified to negotiate with the Palestinians.

• 31% give the Palestinian Authority a positive political evaluation, while 27.5% gave a negative evaluation; a higher percentage of the educated rated the PA negatively.

• 57% believe Palestinian leadership can lead them to better conditions, but the majority of the educated do not believe so.

• If elections were held today, Arafat would receive 30% of votes, Ahmad Yassin 12% and Haidar Abdul Shafi 10%.