Peace with Israel?

The Times of Israel reports, “The impending peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates [UAE] is more than just a stunning diplomatic breakthrough. It represents a fundamental shift in the paradigm of peace-making” (August 14, 2020). In a region where Middle East peace has long been thought to hinge on the Israeli-Palestinian relationship, this new deal—called the Abraham Accords—is unique and unexpected. While critics abound, others see this new peace deal as having great potential. The peace accord, to be signed at the White House in the near future, includes “opening embassies, trade and technology exchanges, direct flights and tourism, and cooperation on energy, security, and intelligence” (The New Yorker, August 14, 2020).

The Israeli prime minister observed, “This is a historic step that advances peace with the Arab world, and eventually will also promote peace—real, secure, and supervised peace—with the Palestinians as well” (I24 News, August 16, 2020). However, Palestinian leaders have warned the UAE to “reverse” their decision immediately.

The quest for peace is ever-present, yet success seems an elusive dream. Throughout history, societies have sought for peace, and for brief moments there have been peaceful interludes in certain areas of the globe. However, lasting peace has never been achieved. While the desire for peace is real, the Bible records that human leaders will proclaim “‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14). Sadly, human beings do not know the way to peace (Isaiah 59:8). There is only one way to true and lasting peace, and that will come when Jesus Christ, the “Prince of Peace,” returns to this earth to show the way (Isaiah 9:6). To learn more about the way to peace, be sure to read or listen to our brief commentary “The Impossible Dream.”