Israel's Travail

We referred last month to the concern in Israel about the future of Israeli-occupied territory on the West Bank of Jordan, and the attempt by some 3,000 National and religious Jews to settle there in defiance of a government ban on such settlements. It is strongly contended by these would-be settlers that this area is within the boundaries of the land bequeathed by God to Israel in the Abrahamic covenant and is not therefore negotiable. Recent developments have brought this question into sharper focus. At the recent Arab Summit at Rabat, to the surprise of many observers, King Hussein of Jordan agreed to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization as the full representative of the Palestinian people and to accept the principle of Palestinian rule of the Israeli-occupied West Bank of Jordan. Previously King Hussein had insisted that his government should be given a full mandate by the Arab leaders to recover this territory, and then give the West Bank Palestinians the chance to determine their own future by a referendum.

It has always been Israeli policy not to negotiate with the P.L.O. Following the Summit of Arab leaders, the Israeli Premier, Z. Rabin, said that the outcome of the Rabat Conference was bad news for Israel, and hinted that there would be changes in Israel's policy which would complicate future negotiations for a Middle East settlement.

A further step taken at the Rabat Summit Conference was the vote to contribute �1,000 million a year to build up the military forces of the frontline Arab states, Egypt, Syria and Jordan. This all points to an early renewal of hostilities if there is no ceding of territory by Israel.

After a short return visit to the Middle East on November 8,

Dr Kissinger, the American Secretary of State, was still confident that Arab-Israeli negotiations were imminent on the basis of a new formula which is being explored. Whether this optimism is justified will soon be apparent.

Meanwhile drastic measures have been taken by the Israeli government to meet her serious internal economic crisis. These include a 43 per cent devaluation of the Israeli pound, a doubling of the price of basic foods and a ban on imports of many luxuries. The programme is so stringent that it provoked violent demonstrations in Tel Aviv, and at the time of writing there are threats of widespread industrial action. A government spokesman explained that the measures were necessary due to the sharp rise in world prices of raw materials, heavy defence expenditure and the enormous cost of absorbing new immigrants into the economy.

We remarked some months ago on the increasing diplomatic isolation of Israel. By skilful use of the oil weapon the Arab States are able to threaten any nation who would befriend her. The psalmist gives an accurate picture of Israel's present plight:

"They have said, Come, let us cut them off from being a nation; That the name of Israel may be no mare in remembrance"

(Psa.83:4).

Forsaken by friends and surrounded by enemies, the urge to "go it alone" in a battle for survival will grow during the coming months if no meaningful negotiations are set on foot.

We know from the inspired Word that Israel will survive to fulfil her glorious destiny. But events are shaping for her terrible end-time tribulation. And to us the message rings loud and clear, "The coming of the Lord is at hand" (James 5:8).

unknown | Dec 1974
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