The Shaba Farms, which is a 25-square- kilometer area on the border of Israel, Lebanon and Syria, is a ongoing bone of contention between the nations. Israel insists the area is part of Syria and it will not surrender control until Syria agrees to an overall peace agreement. Lebanon claims the area belongs to it. The UN is offering to place the area under its jurisdiction until the problem is resolved. Israel opposes a UN presence.

The area may or may not have some military significance to the opposing parties. However, it is doubtful if that military importance is a vital aspect of the security of three nations. A UN presence will ensure the area is not used for military purposes. Israel must accept this type of compromise if the road to peace is to be followed.