Abstract

This Winter in Jerusalem

This article focuses on the social and political problems, faced by Israel. There is a feeling both of melancholy and determination in this Israeli air. The melancholy comes from the knowledge that the Arabs do not intend to sit down and talk with Israel and that peace is a long way distant; it also comes from the continual reports of casualties, one and two a day, either at Suez or in the Jordan River basin; and the realization that Israel will have to pay a price for its current highly advantageous strategic position. The determination is that Israel will see it through. The trouble is that Israel takes no initiative in dealing with the Arabs in its control, whether in Israel or in the territories. A point of stagnation has been reached. Countermeasures of force are evident enough, but political countermeasures, designed to undercut Arab hostility and even to win Arab acceptance and support, are very few.