'Israelis and Palestinians should become Europeans'

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Written by Chris Perver

Tuesday, 25 November 2008 14:23

That's according to Richard N. Rosecrance and Ehud Eiran, two professors belonging to the Belfer Centre at Harvard Kennedy School. Citing the failure of past peace agreements in the Middle East, the deep divide that now exists within the Palestinian leadership, the political weakness of the present Israeli government and the growing dissatisfaction with the peace process, Rosecrance and Eiran believe that both sides need a fresh approach to resolving the conflict. They believe that the European Union may hold the key to ending the cycle of violence in the region. Rosecrance and Eiran point to Europe as being the prime instigator of the present situation, with European anti-Semitism giving birth to the phenomenon of modern Zionism, supposedly resulting in the oppression of the 'Palestinian' people. Of course their analysis is not strictly correct, as the Jewish people were promised a homeland in the British Mandate of Palestine long before the Second World War began, in 1918 to be precise. It is Britain's failure to keep its original promise to the Jewish people that is largely responsible for creating this present situation. But Rosecrance and Eiran believe that the EU may be able to provide the solution to the troubled region, as it possesses something that both the Israelis and Palestinians are now seeking after. An Israel belonging to the European Union would, presumably, enjoy security and political legitimacy in the eyes of the international community. And a 'Palestine' that belonged to the European Union would enjoy prosperity and the benefits of becoming part of a greater political entity.

Quote: "In fact, the dual identity of a supranational entity comprised of peaceful national states holds the answer for both sides' most profound concerns. For Israelis, EU membership offers physical security and permanent legitimacy. For Palestinians, membership means a territorial settlement, including a return, of sorts, of their lands through the new joint European source of security and authority over them. Such an arrangement also holds significant benefits for Europe. It would contribute to political stability on its eastern and southern flank. If successful, it might even open a path for EU members to certain North African states, thus limiting the frustrations of millions of would-be immigrants to leave their instable region and go to Europe.

Rosecrance and Eiran's analysis does seem to be accurate, in that the Bible does prophesy that Israel and the Middle East in general will come under the authority of a world leader from the revived Roman Empire (Daniel 7:7-8, 9:26). And this world leader will strengthen a covenant between Israel and her neighbours for a period of seven years (Daniel 9:27). But Rosecrance and Eiran's prediction is inaccurate, because the peace they speak of that will result from this political affiliation will not last. Unfortunately Israel is now looking for peace in all the wrong places. Israel looks to the Arab world for peace. But the Arabs want nothing to do with Israel, and even the countries they have signed peace agreements with are openly hostile to the Jewish state. Israel looks to America for peace, but America is not in any position to create peace. And they are looking to the European Union for peace, and Europe will bring peace to the region for a little while. But the peace will not last, neither shall Israel enjoy legitimacy among the international community. Why?

Numbers 23:7-9
And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Because Israel is God's chosen people. I can't think of any other nation on Earth that has its right to exist openly questioned by the international community. Throughout history, when nations have been conquered, their people have been assimilated and their culture destroyed. Not so with the Jews. "This people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations". God has seen to it that there is only one Way that Israel will find peace, and that is through their Messiah. Only when they are willing to say, "Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord", Matthew 23:39, will the Jewish people find their Peace and Security. Do you know this Peace? Do you possess this Security? His name is Jesus Christ. He suffered for you so you would know the peace of sins forgiven (Isaiah 53:5). He left the safety of heaven so you could know the security of an eternal salvation (John 3:16). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31).

Source CS Monitor