Ebook: Israel's Critical Security Needs for a Viable Peace

The Obama administration's intensive efforts to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict are anchored in its policy to reconcile the Palestinian goal of an independent and viable state on the 1967 lines, with agreed [land] swaps, and the Israeli goal of a Jewish state with secure and recognized borders that reflect subsequent developments and meet Israeli security requirements.'

While there has been significant public discussion about Palestinian demands in this diplomatic formula , there has been little in-depth analysis of Israel s rights and requirements. This study is intended to fill that vacuum, presenting a comprehensive assessment of Israel s critical security requirements, particularly the need for defensible borders that was enshrined in UN Security Council Resolution 242 and endorsed by past U.S. administrations.

The study also details the key elements of a demilitarized Palestinian state, as was proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly after taking office in 2009. The vital importance for the defense of Israel of control of the airspace over the West Bank is also carefully considered, as are the risks to Israel of deploying international forces in the West Bank. Historically, every peace accord the State of Israel has reached with its neighbors has been challenged by other Middle Eastern states across the region or by international terrorist organizations. Given that experience, the only peace that will last over time is a peace that Israel can defend.

Includes maps and pictures