- April 3, 2025
- 4:28 pm
- World News
“The main lesson: agreements only work when they are beneficial to both sides and have strict enforcement guarantees.”
Israel has repeatedly tried to achieve peace through territorial concessions, but what has history shown? Israel’s experience could be a valuable lesson for Ukraine, which is striving for a just peace.
Israel’s Lesson for Ukraine: Why Territorial Concessions Do Not Guarantee Peace
NAnews — Israel News, where we cover the most important events affecting both Israel and Ukraine, their peoples, and their complex relationships. One of the key issues facing Ukraine in the context of war is the question of possible territorial concessions.
Israel, a country that has repeatedly made difficult decisions about returning captured territories in hopes of peace, may offer an important lesson for Ukraine. However, as Israel’s experience shows, such concessions do not always lead to stability.
This is written by Oleg Vishnyakov, Honorary Consul of the State of Israel in the Western Region of Ukraine in his blog.
Israel and Territorial Concessions: Attempts at Peace, Not Always Successful
Israel has undergone many wars for its independence, and territorial concessions have always been painful. In the history of this country, there are several examples when, despite large losses and territorial changes, peace has not come. These examples could be valuable lessons for Ukraine, which faces a difficult choice.
Sinai Peninsula: Harsh Concessions for Peace
After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, which had previously belonged to Egypt. This region was key to the defense of the country, but in 1979, under the Camp David Accords, Israel decided to return Sinai to Egypt in exchange for recognition of its existence and the cessation of hostilities.
Quote from the Camp David Accords of 1979:
“The return of Sinai to Egypt was necessary to create long-term peace in the region, despite the sacrifices Israel made.”
This step became historic as Israel, having won the war, voluntarily returned the territory. This decision helped reduce the threat and establish peace, but it also became a hard lesson that concessions require not only diplomatic efforts but also real security.
Gaza Strip: A Peace Initiative That Led to New Escalation
In 2005, Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip, hoping it would improve relations with the Palestinians. However, soon, in 2007, the radical Islamist group Hamas took control of Gaza, and the situation only worsened. This showed that even after territorial concessions, aggression can continue, and peace can be short-lived.
Quote from Ariel Sharon, Prime Minister of Israel at the time:
“We hoped that withdrawal from Gaza would lead to peace, but in practice we faced increased violence and radicalization.”
Judea and Samaria: Concessions, but No Peace
After the Oslo Accords in 1993 and 1995, Israel handed over part of the West Bank to the Palestinian Authority. However, despite these steps, a peaceful resolution was never reached, and the conflict continued.
Why Ukraine Should Consider Israel’s Experience
Ukraine, like Israel once did, is trying to find ways to peace, but at what point should concessions be part of this process? And can Israel’s experience become an important guide for Ukraine?
Territorial Concessions: The Importance of International Guarantees
Israel returned Sinai to Egypt, but this happened only after strict international security guarantees. Ukraine must demand such guarantees in any potential peace agreements. International oversight of the implementation of agreements and the creation of demilitarized zones are crucial elements for ensuring Ukraine’s security.
Quote:
“Peace is impossible without clear guarantees and control. This is a lesson that every state leader must learn when making decisions about territorial concessions.”
The Strength of the Army and Technologies as a Guarantee of Security
After withdrawing from Gaza, Israel realized that peace agreements can only be relied upon to a certain extent. Therefore, the country continued to actively develop its army, defense, and intelligence. This allowed Israel to effectively respond to threats despite the concessions.
Quote:
“The strength of the Israeli army and the development of technologies ensured security, even when peace agreements did not provide long-term results.”
Ukraine and Israel: On the Path to True Peace
When Israel gave up territory, it did so with hopes for peace, but as experience shows, concessions do not always lead to stability. Ukraine, striving for peace, must take into account that only international guarantees and a strong army can protect it in the future.
Quote:
“We must demand from the world not only concessions but also clear guarantees that our state and people will remain protected.”
Table: Key Territorial Concessions by Israel
| Territory | Year of Concession | Who It Was Given To | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinai Peninsula | 1982 | Egypt | Peace treaty, cessation of war |
| Gaza Strip | 2005 | Palestinian Authority | Captured by Hamas, escalation of conflict |
| West Bank | 1995 | Palestinian Authority | Ongoing conflict |
NAnews Israel news — is a source that helps understand key events in Israel and their impact on the world, including Ukraine. In a time of global changes, it is important to stay informed and understand how countries are solving issues of security and territorial concessions.
Israel, with its unique experience in diplomacy and security, can be an important example for Ukraine. By reading NAnews, you gain insight into events concerning Israel and Ukraine’s relations, as well as broader global politics.
If you want to stay updated on the most important news about Israel, Ukraine, and Jewish communities worldwide, NAnews is your reliable source of information.
