Lost Opportunities for Peace, 1949–56

Abstract

One of the most enduring but erroneous Israeli myths that has also been accepted by the outside world is the view that until recently most of the Arab states as well as the Palestinians refused to recognize the existence of Israel, rejected all compromise, and sought its destruction. By contrast, it is said, Israel has always been ready and willing to negotiate peace settlements; remember Abba Eban’s famous epigram, “The Arabs never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” In fact, the historical record demonstrates that Israel has been primarily responsible for the many lost opportunities for peace from 1947 through the present. At one time or another, all the important Arab states and the most important Palestinian leaders have been ready to agree to compromise settlements of all the central issues: the legitimate territory and boundaries of Israel, a Palestinian state, the status of Jerusalem, and the refugee issue.