The Israel-Palestine Solution?

The Israel-Palestine conflict is an incredibly complex issue at the intersection of religion, politics, sociology, and economics - an ever-evolving affair that is both multifaceted and extremely hard to comprehend, let alone attempt to resolve. I apologise if this month's instalment is the Frankie Robinson anthology is a little downbeat, the conflict is an incredibly serious topic that I am very passionate about. This article is not supposed to be non-partisan or non-biased - I have bias that is very obvious: I'm pro-Israel, I identify as a Zionist, I observe rabbinical and Talmudic scripture on the topic, and I am ever aware of the conflict mostly from the view of Israeli media, and Jewish news outlets. There are plenty of very compelling pro-Palestine arguments in the aether, and I'll be pushing for one of our own writers to release a contrasting piece on the topic, to balance me out. With that out of the way, let's begin. 

    An Israeli and Palestinian flag hang, side by side, in Gaza.

Firstly, a Rabbinical/Talmudic argument for the preservation of original Israel, as of 1948. The Jewish people have an inherent and G-d-honouring connection to the land of Israel, which is emphasised by multiple Jewish texts. For example, the Talmud (Ketubot 111a) states that living in the land of Israel is equivalent to observing all the commandments in the Torah, which has led many Rabbis to argue that Israel has the G-d-sent right to control and protect the land that has always been and will always be central to the Jewish identity - both in Israel and in the diaspora. In addition, I would argue that the State of Israel's claim to the land of Israel is based on a long and heavily documented history of Jewish presence in the region. For example, the Hebrew Bible describes the land of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, and the Talmudic tractate of Avodah Zarah records the Jewish presence in the land of Israel during the Roman occupation. Also, many Rabbis believe that Israel has the Talmud-granted right to defend the holy land. For example, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 72a) states that "if someone comes to kill you, rise up and kill him first." Some rabbis argue that Israel is facing ongoing threats from terrorism and violence, and has a duty to protect its citizens and borders - a Talmudic wish I believe should be honoured by the modern Israeli government. In summary, Jews have a long-standing historical and religious connection to the land of Israel, which they view as their ancestral homeland. This connection has been reinforced by numerous archaeological and historical discoveries, as well as the ongoing presence of Jewish communities in the land of Israel for thousands of years.

Secondly, an international security argument. Israel faces significant security threats from various Palestinian militant groups, such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as from neighbouring states like Iran. Israel argues that it has the right to defend itself against these threats and that a strong military presence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is necessary to prevent further attacks. The maintenance of a 'western' ally in the middle east is absolutely essential to keep democracy in the area and prop up a base for 'western' security, intelligence, military, and counterterrorist activity in the ever-volatile middle east. Hamas has carried out numerous suicide bombings, rocket attacks, and other violent attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel. Israel argues that it has the right to take measures to prevent such attacks and to protect its citizens from harm. Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups have fired thousands of rockets into Israel, particularly from the Gaza Strip. Israel cites this as a major security concern, as these attacks can cause significant damage and loss of life. Israel has implemented various measures to prevent rocket attacks, including airstrikes on militant targets and the construction of a security barrier along the Gaza border. The maintenance of an independent Jewish state is essential to keeping terror at bay and protecting the Jewish people from extermination. Furthermore, Palestinian leaders and media outlets have both promoted and incited violence against Israel and Israelis. Israel cites this as a security concern, as it 'can create an atmosphere of hostility and encourage individuals to carry out attacks' - a very valid concern.

Thirdly, a humanitarian argument. Palestine simply cannot survive without the vast economic investments of Israel - Palestinian territories have profited off Israeli power and become a parasite to the greatness of Israel.  Israel constantly provides - even throughout the conflict - significant amounts of aid and assistance to the Palestinian Authority that the 'nation' simply cannot survive without - it will lead to gross abuses of human rights, dignity, and independence.  Israel also provides significant amounts of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territories, including medical care, food, and other essential supplies. I'd argue that it has allowed international aid organizations to operate in the territories and has facilitated the delivery of aid to those in need - and Palestine would be nothing without the generous aid of Israel. Israel has also taken dramatic and expensive steps to ensure that Palestinians have access to water and other resources, despite the fact that these resources are scarce in the region. Israel has built water treatment plants and pipelines to supply water to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and has also allowed Palestinians to use some of its own water resources. Israel has always and continues to take steps to promote civil society and democratic institutions in the Palestinian territories. Israel has allowed the Palestinian Authority to operate and has facilitated the development of civil society organizations and other democratic institutions. The Palestinian Authority would cripple without Israeli aid, and the territory would collapse into anarchy or be swept up in an Iran-style Islamic dictatorship. 

Just to conclude, the arguments for a Jewish single-state solution - the historical and biblical land of Israel, the land of G-d and the Jewish people - are many, and compelling. My arguments are supported by the Bible, the Talmud, Rabbinical scholarship, history, and economic and humanitarian concerns, and are informed by my fear of the dissolution of Israel, the rightful homeland of the Jewish people. In summary - Muslims are always safe and welcome in Israel, but Jews are not safe in Palestine, and the only solution that meets all of my criteria is the peaceful negotiation of an Israeli single-state solution. If not, Israel should continue to push back against Islamic terrorism, and the Hama, and if they see fit, I would fully support and defend the swift repossession of Palestinian territory, which Israel is absolutely capable of with or perhaps even without support from NATO and other 'western' allies.