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About this quote

What does it mean?
Israel is a permanent historical fact that must be included in any realistic plan for the future.
In plain terms
Israel is here to stay and ignoring it creates false plans.
What can you take from it?
Ignore lasting realities at your peril.

Where it applies

  • diplomatic talks
  • policy planning
  • historical review

Putting it to work

  • include israel in plans
  • assess historical facts
  • plan realistically

Questions to consider

  • What makes a state permanent?
  • How should history shape policy?

Another view

Permanence does not guarantee legitimacy or acceptance by all.

More from Abba Eban

  1. When all else fails, men turn to reason.

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  2. International law is that law which the wicked do not obey and the righteous do not enforce.

    Permalink to quote #19
  3. When I was first here, we had the advantages of the underdog. Now we have the disadvantages of the overdog.

    Permalink to quote #16

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