delving into the historical trajectory of the palestinian-israeli conflict, spanning the early 20th century up to the point preceding the acknowledgment of israel’s right to exist by the palestine liberation organization, is a complex and contentious matter. assigning blame solely to palestinian leaders is an inadequate approach, as it neither facilitates the restitution of rightful rights nor is it justifiable to continue holding all palestinians accountable for the missteps of others after more than a century.
since the oslo accords and subsequent events, it has become evident that a significant portion of the palestinian population has grown disillusioned with the “armed struggle,” often characterized by guerrilla operations. instead, they opted for the path of peace, aspiring to secure their right to a free and independent state. however, the refusal from the israeli side, coupled with corresponding palestinian rejections, has fostered a conviction among israelis over time.
this conviction holds that the recognition of a palestinian state signals the potential demise of their state. consequently, some believe that the only viable solution lies in settling those seeking a homeland on the territory of another arab state or state.
the israeli mindset, particularly after the events of october 7, has solidified around the notion that “palestinian peace” poses a threat to their existence, prompting a belief that the palestinian presence must be terminated through various means.
in an interview with natalie bennett, a former prime minister of israel and a formidable candidate to succeed netanyahu, expressed to the bbc that the act of ceding land to the palestinians, as israel has done on multiple occasions for the establishment of their state, has proven perilous and should not be repeated.
additionally, former israeli foreign minister shlomo ben ami emphasized in a lecture that events have demonstrated how israel’s withdrawal from any previously controlled territory transforms it into a launching pad for missile attacks. this reality unfolded in southern lebanon and gaza, leading to a steadfast determination within israel to prevent any recurrence of such instances.
i never agreed with hamas, nor was i impressed for a moment with the words of its leaders, nor with their positions and policies, and i mentioned this in more than one article and interview. i firmly believe that handing over the fate of palestine to the movement, as an ideological organization imbued with brotherhood thought, and with ties to radical regimes in the region, will not end the conflict, nor will it achieve the desired peace, because they lack the minimum understanding of the logic of matters, and there will only be more innocent victims.
i also believe that the palestinian issue was and must remain a palestinian issue, and without the precious palestinian blood it is not possible to achieve any victory, or reach any peace, and relying, as i have written several times, on the help of arab countries in liberating their homeland is closer to an illusion, as most of them are too incapable of that. palestine frees herself from the restrictions that bind her. seeking help from arab countries automatically means transferring all their differences to the issue and its people.
i also believe that the palestinian blood that will be spilled will not build a free, united, and independent state in the presence of a palestinian-palestinian conflict or disagreement.
the international sympathy and support that has been poured so far, and the overwhelming support that palestinian rights have received, have shaken even the foundations of the us congress, and the overwhelming and unprecedented support for palestinian rights will be lost, especially among western-educated elites, especially among the jews of israel and abroad, in the first clash between hamas and the plo.
and all the factors of this clash are present on the ground and in the hearts. therefore, the path to the future state begins with unifying the palestinian decision. the world is unable or unwilling to impose it on israel, without american approval and support and a unified palestinian will.