Six red lines for peace
By Ariel Sharon, party leader of the Likud
Jerusalem Post, July 21, 2000
They tell us we have reached the moment of truth, so it is time to say it loudly and clearly: All
Israel seeks peace. But our commitment is to real and lasting peace that will provide security for
generations.
The end to the Arab-Israeli conflict requires a clear and unequivocal agreement on the
termination of the state of war with all the countries in the region (including Iraq, Iran, Libya,
Saudi Arabia and other peripheral states).
An agreement that terminates the conflict must include a clear and unambiguous recognition on
the part of the Arab world and Arab governments, of the legitimate historical rights of the
Jewish people to a Jewish state in their one and only homeland – Israel.
Without these principles and their implementation, and in the absence of real education for
peace among our Arab neighbors, we might get an agreement that has, perhaps, a formal
recognition of Israel’s existence, but without the clear and long-term commitment on the part of
the Arabs, to a process of true reconciliation – the cornerstone for any lasting peace.
It is necessary to arrive at a permanent and mutually obligating peace agreement that will
terminate the conflict. If as a result of constraints all that we can possibly achieve is a long-term
interim agreement with the Palestinians – Israel must continue to hold on to most of its strategic
assets.
Arafat and his people are threatening an outbreak of violence if their demands are not met.
Barak’s close circles are insinuating and spreading this same message; the response to these
threats, in my view, should be only one sentence, saying very clearly: Beware – Israel is strong!
That is how a state with self-respect should behave, and acting in this manner perhaps we could
prevent the violence threatening us.
However, if in spite of this there will be an outbreak of hostilities instigated by the Palestinians,
Israel must prepare and plan in advance its domestic, political, diplomatic and security
countermeasures.
It is clear now that Prime Minister Barak has committed himself to hand over to Arafat historical
and strategic assets, way beyond what Israel can afford to give away, thus endangering Israel’s
future.
The picture is this: Barak will leave the summit, probably, with no real concessions from
Arafat. But he will leave with drafts of Israeli commitments for far-reaching concessions. Barak
leaves in Arafat’s hands a down payment of sorts, which he already offered to pay in full.
Arafat, in return gives nothing, not even a promise to renounce violence.
Pay attention to how the Barak propaganda machine is already working full steam: Barak’s close
circle of advisors are spreading around a “tranquilizer”: Israel will “receive” Givat Ze’ev, Ma’aleh
Adumim and the Gush Etzion settlements. Thus Israel is in fact “receiving” what it already has
and what Barak promised will remain in Israel’s hands forever. Israel is giving Arafat what was
never in his hands – against Barak’s pre-election promises that he will never concede parts of
Jerusalem and the Jordan Valley. Barak is simply violating and reneging on the campaign
promises on which he got elected.
I believe it is possible to reach an agreement with a united and undivided Jerusalem, but in a
different way. In my view, we must concentrate all our efforts to arrive at a broad national
consensus based on clear unequivocal “red lines.” I propose six red lines which can serve as a
basis for broad national consensus, strengthen Israel’s position, and enable us to reach a better
and more secure agreement:
- Greater Jerusalem, united and undivided, must be the eternal capital of Israel and under
full Israeli sovereignty. The question of Jerusalem should not remain open, as it may become the
time bomb for the next conflict. - Israel will retain under its full control sufficiently wide security zones – in both the East and
the West. The Jordan Valley, in its broadest sense, as defined by the Allon Plan, will be the
eastern security zone of Israel. This includes the steep eastern slopes of the hill ridge of Judea
and Samaria (west of the Allon Road) overlooking the valley. Israel will maintain contiguous
presence and control of the entire valley up to the Jordan River, including the border passes.
The western security zone will include the line of hills commanding the coastal plain and
controlling Israel’s vital underground water sources. Strategic routes will be retained under
Israel’s control. - Jewish towns, villages and communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, as well as access
roads leading to them, including sufficient security margins along them, will remain under full
Israeli control. - The solution to the problem of Palestinian refugees from 1948-1967 will be based on their
resettlement and rehabilitation in the places where they live today (Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, etc.)
Israel does not accept under any circumstances the Palestinian demand for the right of return.
Israel bears no moral or economic responsibility for the refugees’ predicament. - As a vital existential need, Israel must continue to control the underground fresh water
aquifers in western Samaria, which provide a major portion of Israel’s water. The Palestinians
are obligated to prevent contamination of Israel’s water resources. - Security arrangements: All the territories under control of the Palestinian Authority will be
demilitarized. The Palestinians will not have an army; only a police force. Israel will maintain
complete control of the whole air space over Judea, Samaria and Gaza.
I believe that any government in Israel that will adopt and implement these principles will
strengthen Israel’s deterrence and could reach a better, more secure peace, one that will ensure
Israel’s long-term national strategic interests.
