The Intifadah and the Peace Camp in Israel: A Critical Introspective

Abstract

Peace Now (Shalom Achshav), is the oldest and most important element in what is commonly called the Israeli peace camp. This name aptly describes a political space in which many groups are encamped. Its parameters are loosely defined but limited by a consensus on the following points: that a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict must include an expression of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination; that a compromise solution will involve acceptance of the partition of Palestine/Eretz Yisra'el along lines not significantly different from the pre- 1967 borders; and that any negotiated solution will require full recognition of Israel in a peace treaty that addresses Israeli security concerns. During the past decade, Peace Now has been the largest, most important, and most influential movement within the peace camp. Peace Now demonstrations drew crowds of 400,000 (20 percent of the adult population) during protests in Tel Aviv against the massacres in Lebanon's Sabra and Shatila refugee camps; and twenty-five (out of 120) Knesset members support the dovish International Center for Peace in the Middle East. From the outset, Peace Now has striven to be perceived as an integral part of the Israeli mainstream and consensus. To this end, the movement emphasizes its role as a patriotic interpreter of the true Zionist spirit. The military background of the movement's founders and membership has also