A possible alternative path that Israel could have chosen – and may still be able to
For a long time, the prevailing view was that a two-State solution in Israel was impossible because there was no partner for peace. However, this opinion had a connotation of avoiding responsibility on the part of Israel. This allowed many people to become comfortable with the status quo. But Israeli politicians, who did not like the status quo, continued to act actively, doing everything possible to make a two-state solution impossible. As a result, Israel is moving towards the reality of a single state, but not in the way that the left-wing part of society represents it. Instead, there is the reality of apartheid, where Israel controls the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, but the people of these areas do not have real rights.
But even before October 7, hundreds of former senior Israeli military and diplomatic officials warned that such a development would be a disaster for the country’s security, democracy, international standing, and spirituality. They argued that there is another way in which Israel can and must do much on its own to create the conditions for something new to emerge in the future.
Positional Analysis
The Israeli group “Commanders for Israel’s Security” has developed a plan known as the “Initiative 2025” to change Israeli policy and prevent the situation from becoming a one-state reality. This plan proposed a number of measures that Israel could and should have taken on its own to change the situation in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
One of the main ideas of the plan was to strengthen the Palestinian security services and ensure their legitimacy and authority among the population. Currently, these services suffer from a lack of support from Israel and are often perceived as employees of the occupation administration. The plan also proposed to expand the territories under the control of the Palestinian Authority and create conditions for a future two-State solution.
Political situation
However, after recent events such as the war in Gaza, the situation in Israel has become more complicated. President Netanyahu said that the creation of the Palestinian Authority was a mistake and that nothing in Gaza could be returned to them. Thus, the question now arises of what will happen next and how Israel will be able to get out of this situation.
If we consider possible scenarios, one of them may be the continuation of the occupation of Gaza by Israel. However, this poses certain risks to the security and stability of the region. Another scenario could be a change of political power in Israel, which could lead to a change in the country’s policy towards the Palestinians.
Possible solutions
A possible solution could involve the establishment of an interim third party to administer Gaza until the Palestinian Authority is able to regain its activities and control over the area. It is important that such a third party be agreed upon and recognized by the Palestinian Authority, and that it have international support and funding.
Creating the conditions for a solution
The basic idea behind Initiative 2025 is that Israel must take steps on its own to change the current situation. This includes expanding the territory controlled by the Palestinian Authority, improving the economic situation, strengthening the Palestinian security forces and creating a political perspective for a future two-state solution.
- Restoring confidence
- One of the key aspects of the plan is to rebuild trust between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. This includes changing Israel’s attitude towards the Palestinian security forces and enabling them to carry out their duties without humiliating them in front of their people. It is also proposed to expand the territory controlled by the Palestinian Authority to create a more favorable environment for the Palestinian population.
- Economic measures
- The 2025 Initiative also proposes a number of economic measures that will help improve the economic situation in the West Bank and Gaza. This includes providing financial support to the Palestinian Authority, improving business and investment conditions, and creating jobs for Palestinians.
- Political Perspective
- One of the key aspects of the plan is to create a political perspective for a future two-state solution. This includes Israel’s commitment to a two-State solution and demonstrative actions that will allow the Palestinians to see that Israel is serious about this issue.
- The abolition of refugee status.
- This is an unpopular but, in our opinion, a very important step. Palestinian refugees, of whom there are 4,7 million worldwide, need to change the way they view the conflict. The lifelong status of Palestinian refugee is very convenient and even advantageous, but it puts the desire to resolve the conflict on the back burner. *
The Political Situation in Israel
The current political situation in Israel is complex and unstable. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure due to allegations of corruption and his government is facing criticism over the 7/10 disaster. This creates an opportunity for the opposition and other parties in the country to form an alternative coalition government and change current Israeli policies.
Conclusion
In general, the situation in Israel is difficult and requires serious changes in the country’s policy. The proposed measures, such as strengthening Palestinian security services, expanding the controlled territories of the Palestinian Authority and creating a political perspective, can contribute to improving the situation and achieving peace in the Middle East.
Israel must realize its responsibility for the situation and take the necessary steps to find a peaceful solution with the Palestinians. I hope that in the future Israel will be able to follow a different path and achieve peace and stability in the region.
“*“ – Why is the number of Palestinian refugees growing from year to year?
Initially, the UNRWA defined refugees as “persons whose usual place of residence from June 1, 1946 to May 15, 1948 was Palestine, and who lost their home and livelihood as a result of the 1948 conflict.”
In 1965, the Agency expanded the criteria for obtaining Palestinian refugee status to third-generation descendants.
In 1982, the UNRWA again expanded the conditions for obtaining refugee status to include all male descendants of Palestinian refugees (including adopted children), regardless of whether they obtained citizenship of any country.
All other 117 million refugees worldwide who are under the care of UNHCR, on average, are settled withing 5 years. After obtaining citizenship of another country, a person immediately loses refugee status.
But this is not the case of Palestinian refugees. In particular, about 90% of the Palestinian refugees in Jordan have the citizenship of this country, but also retain the status of Palestinian refugees.
