Statement: Toward Peace in the Middle East, November 9, 1989

I. Purpose and Context

• The U.S. Catholic bishops reflect on moral, religious, and political dimensions of Middle East conflicts.
• They express solidarity with Christians, Jews, and Muslims, and with suffering peoples—especially in Lebanon, Israel, and Palestinian territories.
• They emphasize dialogue, justice, and human dignity as the necessary foundations for peace.

II. Religious and Political Significance

• The Middle East holds deep significance as the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
• Political conflicts are intertwined with historical memories and religious identity.
• The central political conflict remains the Israeli–Arab–Palestinian struggle, involving competing claims to security, sovereignty, and land.

III. Lebanon: Tragedy and Needed Action

Diagnosis

• Since 1975 Lebanon has faced civil war, massive casualties, and social collapse.

• Causes include:

  • Internal: failed political reforms, sectarian tensions, Palestinian armed presence.
  • External: interventions by Syria, Israel, and regional actors.
  • Foreign presence has eroded Lebanese sovereignty.

  Moral Principles

  • Lebanon’s unique multi-religious democracy must be protected.
  • The international community has a moral duty to defend the weak and uphold international law.

  Recommendations

  • End violence.
  • Pursue constitutional reform and reconciliation.
  • Ensure withdrawal of all foreign forces (Syrian and Israeli).
  • Provide humanitarian and economic reconstruction aid.
  • Utilize diplomatic initiatives (e.g., Arab League’s Taif Agreement).

  IV. Israel, the Arab States, and the Palestinians

  Core Principles for Peace

  1. Dual right to a homeland
     1. Israelis and Palestinians both possess a fundamental right to a homeland, freedom, dignity, and security.
     2. Limits on each party’s claims are necessary for coexistence.
  2. Recognition of Israel’s right to exist within secure borders
     1. Security must be real, but not so expansive that it negates Palestinian rights.
  3. Recognition of Palestinian rights
     1. Includes self‑determination, representation, territory, and an independent homeland.
     2. Requires limits on sovereignty consistent with Israel’s security.
  4. UN Resolutions 242 and 338 (land for peace)
     1. Remain foundational for negotiations.
  5. Human rights and religious freedom
     1. Must be protected for Jews, Christians, and Muslims.
     2. Condemnations of anti‑Semitism, anti‑Arab prejudice, and extremist movements.
  6. Compensation for past losses
     1. Both Palestinians and Israelis have legitimate claims requiring review.
  7. Status of Jerusalem
     1. Sovereignty questions cannot be solved unilaterally.
     2. City’s religious heritage must be protected through internationally guaranteed arrangements.

  V. The Intifada

  • The Palestinian uprising (1987–1989) expresses:
    • Rejection of prolonged occupation,
    • Aspiration for justice, identity, and self‑determination.
  • Israeli response has included significant human rights violations (e.g., excessive force, home demolitions, detentions).
  • Bishops emphasize the intifada’s underlying political meaning rather than only its human rights dimension.

  VI. Recommendations for U.S. Policy

  General Approach

  • Dialogue, not violence, is essential.
  • The U.S. plays an indispensable role in facilitating negotiations.

  Specific Recommendations

  1. Engage with the USSR constructively
     1. Encourage coordinated superpower support for regional peace.
  2. Lebanon
     1. Press for withdrawal of all foreign forces.
     2. Support political reform and international reconstruction aid.
  3. Palestinians and the Intifada
     1. Address human rights violations.
     2. Continue and elevate U.S.–PLO dialogue.
     3. Support Palestinian homeland and political rights.
     4. Secure Palestinian commitment to nonviolence and recognition of Israel.
  4. Israel
     1. Continue U.S. support, but uphold principles of justice and human rights.
     2. Reinforce opposition to settlement expansion.
  5. Arab States
     1. Encourage normalization of relations with Israel.
     2. Support Arab consensus for land-for-peace solutions.

  VII. Conclusion

  • The bishops believe a real opportunity for peace exists.
  • A just and lasting peace requires:
    • Diplomacy,
    • Mutual trust,
    • Respect for human rights,
    • Religious conviction and prayer.
  • They call on Catholics for renewed commitment to prayer, fasting, and interreligious cooperation.