Not 'Peace Now' but Stability for Trust: A New Model for Israel's Relations with Its Neighbors | Col. (Res.) Amir Avivi
Col. (Res.) Amir Avivi proposes a new model for Israel's relations with its neighbors: stability for trust, instead of 'land for peace.' He argues that the last three decades, including Oslo, the withdrawal from Lebanon, and the disengagement, have proven that Israeli concession alone does not create peace. The model includes three stages: a non-belligerency agreement, security and stable borders, and building shared interests. Only after years of stability does peace become a reality.
In an opinion piece, Col. (Res.) Amir Avivi proposes a new model for Israel's relations with its neighbors, under the title 'Stability for Trust.' He argues that since the 1990s, the concept of 'land for peace' has been central to political discourse, but the last three decades have shown that Israeli concession alone does not bring peace. He points to the Oslo Accords, the withdrawal from the security zone in Lebanon, and the disengagement from the Gaza Strip as failures that led to waves of terrorism, the entrenchment of Hezbollah, and Hamas's takeover, culminating in the October 7 attack. Avivi asserts that peace is not created by removing external obstacles but requires a deep internal change in the other side's perception and recognition of Israel's right to exist. He proposes a three-stage model: first, a non-belligerency agreement defining violations and oversight mechanisms; second, security and stable borders; and third, building shared interests in trade, energy, water, agriculture, tourism, and technology. Only after years of stability does peace become a reality, not through grand declarations or handshakes between leaders.