Can Israel Make a Separate Peace with Christians in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon? Consequences and Implications

Peace agreements historically have been made between nation-states, not with specific segments of the society within a nation. This article explores the ramifications of a potential separate peace agreement between Israel and the Christian communities in Palestine, Jordan, and Lebanon.

Why Separate Peace is Unfeasible

The concept of making peace with one religious group while excluding others is a flawed and discriminatory approach. It is akin to suggesting that one race or socioeconomic group should remain at peace with the occupier while others resist, which is inherently unjust.

Civil Society in Lebanon

Lebanon's religious and ethnic diversity is a microcosm of the broader issue. According to a 2012 study by Statistics Lebanon, a Beirut-based research firm, Lebanon's population is demographically distributed as follows:

54% Muslim (Shia 27%, Sunni 27%, Others 10%) 21% Christian (Maronite 8%, Greek Orthodox 8%, Melkite 5%, Protestant 1%, Others 3%) 5% Druze 40.5% Diverse

This diverse community of 40,500 Christians, including 48 reported to be from the Western delegation, is a significant part of the national fabric. Disregarding them would be tantamount to the exclusion of a vital segment of the population.

Civil Society in Jordan

In Jordan, the situation is similar, with an estimated 250,000 Christians making up around 4-6% of the population. The demographic breakdown is as follows:

406,226 Christians (4-6%) Orthodox 80% Protestant, Catholic, other Christian denominations 20%

This group, though smaller, still represents a significant portion of Jordan's society, further emphasizing the futility of targeted peace agreements.

Civil Society in Palestine

The picture in Palestine is somewhat different, with an estimated 50,000 Christians in the West Bank and about 3,000 in the Gaza Strip, totaling about 52,000. This number is a significant portion in a region where 1,609,498 individuals are from other religious groups, making the idea of a separate peace even more problematic.

Consequences of a Separate Peace

A unilateral peace agreement with Christians in these regions could have several severe consequences:

Internal Division: It could lead to deep divisions among Christians themselves, questioning loyalty and identity. Internal Clash: There may be internal discord within the Christian communities of the military and armed forces, with some supporting peace agreements while others align with the majority's stance of liberation. Western Interference: Western powers may heavily favor Christians to secure peace with Israel, leading to conflicts with the interests of non-Christian majority societies in the region. Redefinition of Loyalty and Safety: As Christians face pressure and accusations of being traitors, they may demand protection from their Israeli allies who initially made the peace agreement.

In conclusion, a separate peace agreement with religious groups in these regions is not only discriminatory but also potentially dangerous and counterproductive. It would only exacerbate existing divisions and create a volatile environment where mistrust and conflict are likely to flourish.