Introduction

Volume eleven of the series Israel's Foreign Relations covers the period of the term of the 12th Knesset, from December 1988 to June 1992. The main highlights of that period were the continuation of the Government of National Unity until March 1990, the launching of an Israeli peace initiative and the many moves that both preceded and followed this step. The peace process became the central focus of attention. It was effectively interrupted by the emerging Gulf crisis and the Gulf War which engulfed Israel as well. As usual, there is special attention to documents dealing with Israel- U. S. relations because of the dominant position of that power, which became even more pronounced after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990 and finally at the end of 1991. Even before the Gulf War, there was growing realization that a new regional order was being created by the revolutionary changes in the global scene caused mainly by the end of the Cold War. The Arabs lost their ability to bargain between the two super powers, while Israel's strategic value for the United States underwent some change. Another feature of this period is the restoration of ties between Israel and most of the countries of Eastern Europe, establishment of ties with China and India and with some African nations as well. The Gut( War is a major turning point in the history of Israel's foreign relations, as it hastened the peace process that led to the convening of the Madrid Conference.

Adhering to the practice in previous volumes, all the documents reproduced here have appeared in public. They have been culled from the Knesset record, newspaper, radio and television interviews, public speeches and statements by key Israeli decision-makers. As in the past, the volume contains speeches and statements and interviews with the prime minister, the ministers of foreign affairs and defense, the vice prime minister, on occasion the chief of staff and senior officials as the case may warrant. Many of the translations were done by the staff of the Government Press Office, and the gratitude of the editor to them is vast. The UN Affairs Library in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs provided the relevant UN documentation. Media advisers of Israel's leaders mentioned above have also provided important documentation.

The documents contained in this volume do not exhaust the subject of Israeli diplomacy during the period under discussion. They seemed to be the key ones explaining the reasons and considerations of the decision-making process in Israel, as well as central plans and proposals.

Once again, there has been no attempt to provide uniform spelling or style or to edit the text in such a way as to interrupt the flow and flavour of the intent of speaker or interviewee. Each document is preceded by an introductory editorial note placing it in a broader context. There are also larger editorial notes preceding each year, highlighting developments during that year. All this was designed to assist diplomats, journalists, students, and researchers of Israel's foreign policy to gain a better and deeper insight.