The empirical case for defensible borders

[vminfla]

Former foreign minister Yigal Allon was one of the clearest and most authoritative exponents of the case for Israel’s need for defensible borders. In an October 1976 article in Foreign Affairs, Allon noted that whereas Israel’s rivals seek to “isolate, strangle and erase Israel from the world’s map,” Israel’s strategic aims have been focused on its “imperative to survive.”

Thus, even if peace agreements are reached, border and security arrangements must ensure Israel’s ability to defend itself in the event that such agreements are breached. As the recent upheavals in the Middle East have clearly demonstrated, this guiding principle has not lost its salience.

Allon contended with a number of claims raised to counter Israel’s argument for defensible borders. Then, as now, technological advances such as missile technology were pointed to as obviating the need for strategic depth and topographical assets. Then, as now, international guarantees were pointed to as constituting a satisfactory substitute for physical control of defensible ground.

Then, as now, such arguments failed to account for the resounding failure of international guarantees to ensure Israel’s security, as evidenced, for example, in UNEF’s withdrawal from Sinai in May 1967.

Read more at http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-EdContributors/Article.aspx?id=236782

[aranthus]

1. What are "defensible borders"?

The ridge line? The Jordan River? My own opinion is that the River is the logical line. Problem is that doesn't leave any room for a Palestinian state. Neither does the ridge line. Defensible borders are important, but they aren't the be all and end all. The sad truth is that peace is going to be maintained by Israeli military superiority, and eventually, some sense on the part of the Arabs that their desires have been met without further conflict.

[azurnoir]

2. I have a feeling that leaving no room for a Palestrinian state is a problem for a number

of people both in Israel and here, the 2 state solution for many seems to be Israel and Jordan

[aranthus]

3. It's an elegant solution if you ignore reality. n/t