Defensible Borders for a Lasting Peace

© 2005 Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs (JCPA)

Defensible Borders for a Lasting Peace

This paper discusses Israel's need for defensible borders, identifying the minimal territorial requirements from a purely military perspective. The chapters introduce the concept of defensible borders, identify Israel's requirements and examine the implications of UN Security Council Resolution 242 that was established after the Six-Day War of 1967. Finally, the paper reviews the US' policy on the Israeli border issue since the Six-Day War. It argues that the West Bank is critical for the defense of Israel, in contrast to the Sinai or the Gaza Strip.

Full document: PDF · 81 pages · 1.0 MB

Chapters:

Foreword (PDF · Page 0 to 0 · 65 KB) by Yaakov Amidror

Executive Summary (PDF · Page 1 to 5 · 95 KB)

Introduction: Defensible Borders for Peace (PDF · Page 7 to 13 · 129 KB) by Yuval Steinitz

This chapter reviews the development and significance of the concept of defendable borders for Israel, underlining its continuing importance. The paper points to Israel's quantitative military inferiority in its region, assesses the chances for a crisis in the neighborhood and points to threats to the country's existence. Subsequently, it outlines Israeli leaders' border policy and explores the link between terrorism and the erection of the security fence. The author argues that Israel's need for defensible borders, particularly in the West Bank, is indispensable.

Israel's Requirements for Defensible Borders (PDF · Page 15 to 33 · 204 KB) by Yaakov Amidror

This chapter underlines Israel's need for defensible borders from a military point of view. Based on UN Security Council Resolution 242 and the 1949 armistice lines, the paper reviews Israel's strategic situation and vulnerability in the region, analyzes the continuing threat against its existence and identifies long-term strategic challenges. Subsequently, the author discusses the need for strategic depth, comments on the option of pre-emptive war and introduces the respective views of the US military. The paper argues that an Israeli withdrawal to the pre-Six-Day War borders of 1967 would put it in a grave situation.

Understanding UN Security Council Resolution 242 of November 22, 1967, on the Middle East PDF · Page 35 to 43 · 331 KB by Meir Rosenne

This chapter examines the history and meaning of UN Security Council Resolution 242 on the demarcation of Israel's borders after the Six-Day War of 1967. It focuses on how Resolution 242 was developed, its actual content and how its legal significance should be assessed. Furthermore, the paper discusses the acquisition of territory captured in a war of self-defense, reviews quarrels regarding the Resolution's wording and comments on its approach toward the refugee problem. The author underlines that the Resolution's main principle is that everything is still open for negotiation between the parties involved.

The US and "Defensible Borders": How Washington Has Understood UN Security Council Resolution 242 and Israel's Requirements for Withdrawal (PDF · Page 45 to 62 · 230 KB) by Dore Gold

This chapter provides an analysis of the US position on UN Security Council Resolution 242, which addresses the demarcation of Israel's borders after the Six-Day War of 1967. The paper reviews the history of Resolution 242, outlines the respective policies of all US presidents from Lyndon B Johnson to George W Bush and assesses the development of that country's position, highlighting the principle of defensible borders. The author finds that the successive US administrations have demonstrated considerable flexibility regarding the extent of withdrawal that they expected of Israel.

Source: The International Relations and Security Network (ISN), Zurich, Switzerland