Introduction
Day 53. To be sure, I am acutely aware of the profound layers that have shaped the current conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis. From the formative events of the early 20th century through the pivotal wars and intifadas, to the ongoing efforts for peace, and the persistent attempts by the radicals on both sides to derail peace efforts, each chapter in this collective history has contributed to this conflict. My intent here is to look beyond just recounting these events, seeking instead to explore possible avenues for peace.
At the outset, I want to recognize that deeply entrenched emotions and existential fears held by both Israelis and Palestinians make it unlikely that we will arrive at any "objective truth" about the past. Each side perceives the collective experience predominantly a lens of loss, rendering any universal narrative elusive. Therefore, we ought to relinquish any hope of rectifying or bettering the past. Instead, our focus should shift towards the future, towards possibilities and pathways that might lead us out of the current (and very painful) stalemate. The ideas and proposals I put forth in this essay are not novel inventions but rather are rooted in the historical context and the cumulative efforts for peace that have preceded us.
This essay, then, is an endeavor to bridge the narratives of both Israelis and Palestinians, acknowledging the pain and hopes that reside in each heart. It is a call to look beyond the entrenched positions and the scars of history, to seek a balanced approach that might pave the way to a future where coexistence and peace are possible. In this quest, I am driven by the belief in the power of love, empathy, reconciliation, and the relentless pursuit of a future where the next generations can thrive free from the shadows of a contentious past.
Ancient History to 1947
Modern Historical Background
The modern Israeli-Palestinian conflict has evolved through a series of significant events, each shaping the contours of the current impasse. Here is a concise (but mostly comprehensive) historical background, essential for understanding the present dynamics and the perspectives of both sides.
Early 20th Century and the Balfour Declaration (1917): The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the early 20th century. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, issued by the British government, expressed support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, then a region under Ottoman rule. This declaration was met with opposition by the Arab population of Palestine, who feared the implications of a large-scale Jewish immigration and land ownership.
Mandatory Palestine and the Rise of National Movements (1920-1947): The period of the British Mandate in Palestine saw the rise of both Jewish and Arab national movements. The Jewish population, escaping persecution in Europe and motivated by Zionist aspirations, increased significantly through immigration. At the same time, the Arab population expressed growing resistance to what they perceived as encroachments on their land and rights, leading to tensions and violent clashes.
The 1948 War and the Creation of Israel: The UN’s 1947 partition plan, which proposed the division of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab ones. The declaration of the State of Israel in 1948 led to the Arab-Israeli War. This war resulted in the establishment of Israel at the cost of (a) at least one massacre of Palestinians at Deir Yassin; and (b) the displacement of a large number of Palestinian Arabs, creating a refugee crisis that remains a core issue in the conflict.
The 1967 Six-Day War and Its Aftermath: The Six-Day War in 1967 marked another critical juncture. Israel’s victory led to the occupation of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, areas with significant Palestinian populations. This occupation, along with the continued establishment of Israeli settlements in these territories, has been a central point of contention.
Intifadas and Peace Efforts: The Palestinian intifadas (uprisings), the first starting in 1987 and the second in 2000, were pivotal in highlighting the Palestinian struggle for statehood and rights. In between, various peace efforts, including the Oslo Accords of 1993, attempted to address key issues but ultimately failed to resolve the conflict.
Recent Developments: In recent years, the conflict has seen shifts in regional dynamics, including normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states. Currently both sides are in a hot war in response to a Hamas initiated massacre of 1200 Israelis on October 7th 2023 (the biggest single loss of life by Jews since the Holocaust). When the current hostilities wind down, the core issues—borders, security, Jerusalem, refugees, and mutual recognition— will still be unresolved; and, until they are we can expect to see continuing intermittent cycles of violence along with efforts towards ceasefire and dialogue.
Understanding this historical context is key to grasping the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as it stands today. It creates a foundation for exploring potential solutions, as any viable peace agreement must acknowledge and address the deep-seated historical grievances and aspirations of both peoples.
Current Core Issues That Need Resolution
At the present moment, from my vantage point, there are some current core issues, which as you will see, are deeply entrenched and interlinked. Each one of them carrying immense historical, emotional, and political weight. These core issues are a starting point for understanding the challenges in achieving a lasting peace.
1. Land and Borders: The question of land and borders lies at the heart of the conflict. For Palestinians, it is about the loss of land following the creation of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967. From the Palestinian perspective they offer up a view that looks like this picture:
From a historical contextual point of view , that same map looks like this:
However, the issue is not only about physical territory but also about identity, sovereignty, and self-determination. For Israelis, it is about ensuring secure and defensible borders, particularly in a region marked by historical conflicts and security threats. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank complicates this further, creating facts on the ground that challenge the viability of a contiguous Palestinian state.
2. Security Concerns: Security is a paramount issue for Israel. The history of conflict, including wars, intifadas, and terrorist attacks, has ingrained a deep sense of vulnerability. Israel's security concerns are centered on preventing attacks from Palestinian territories, ensuring that a future Palestinian state does not pose a threat, and protecting its citizens. For Palestinians, security concerns manifest in the experience of military occupation, restrictions on movement, and the desire for a sovereign state where they can ensure their safety and rights.
3. Status of Jerusalem: Jerusalem is a symbolically and religiously significant city for both Israelis and Palestinians. Israel considers the entire city, including East Jerusalem, which it annexed after the 1967 war, as its capital. This annexation is not internationally recognized. Palestinians envision East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. The city's holy sites, revered by Jews, Muslims, and Christians, add layers of complexity to its status, making it one of the most contentious issues in the conflict. I still think Tom Clancy popularized the best solution in his book “Sum of All Fears.”
4. Palestinian Refugees and Right of Return: The Palestinian refugee issue dates back to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes (the Nakba). These refugees and their descendants now number in the millions. Palestinians demand the right of return to their former homes, as per UN Resolution 194. Israel opposes this, arguing that the mass return of Palestinians would alter the demographic balance, challenging the Jewish character of the state.
5. Mutual Recognition: At the core of the conflict is the mutual recognition of each other's right to exist. For Palestinians, this means recognition of their right to self-determination and statehood. For Israel, it involves recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and the end of claims against it. The lack of mutual recognition fuels mistrust and prolongs the conflict, making it a fundamental barrier to peace.
6. Economic and Social Disparities: Economic and social disparities exacerbate the conflict. Palestinians in the occupied territories often face economic hardships, restrictions on movement, and limited access to resources and opportunities. These disparities contribute to a sense of injustice and fuel the conflict, highlighting the need for economic development and cooperation as part of a comprehensive peace solution.
Each of these core issues represents a significant hurdle in the path to peace. It seems like a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will require addressing these issues comprehensively, acknowledging the legitimate concerns and aspirations of both sides, and finding a middle ground that respects the rights and needs of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Elements of a Peace Agreement
Looking forward now, to a point where we are trying to get to a permenant peace, what might that look like?
A. Mutual Recognition and Sovereignty: The foundation of any peace agreement must be the mutual recognition of Israel and Palestine as sovereign, independent states. This recognition should affirm Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and Palestine's right to statehood. This mutual acceptance is crucial for fostering trust and legitimizing each state in the eyes of the other and the international community.
B. Defining Borders and Land Swaps: A peace agreement must clearly define the borders between Israel and Palestine. The general consensus is that borders should be based on the pre-1967 lines, with mutually agreed land swaps to account for major Israeli settlements and Palestinian population centers. These swaps should be equitable and aim to ensure the viability and continuity of both states.
C. Jerusalem: Jerusalem’s status is one of the most complex issues to resolve. The current status quo will not do. It seems like a return to Corpus separatum plan. Special arrangements will be needed for the Old City and its holy sites to ensure access and religious rights for all faiths.
D. Security Arrangements: The agreement should include robust security arrangements to address Israel’s security concerns while respecting Palestinian sovereignty. This probably should involve demilitarization of the Palestinian state, security guarantees by international actors, and measures to prevent terrorism and violence.
E. Palestinian Refugees: The refugee issue might be addressed through a combination of compensation, resettlement options, and a limited right of return to Israel. International support and funding (a Marshall Plan for Palestine?) would be vital for implementing these solutions, which should aim to respect the rights of the refugees while considering the demographic concerns of Israel.
F. Economic Cooperation and Development: Economic cooperation and development are essential for the stability and prosperity of both states. The agreement could include joint economic projects, trade agreements, and international investment, especially in the Palestinian economy, to foster growth and integration.
G. Water and Resource Sharing: An equitable sharing of water and natural resources, with joint management of environmental concerns, would be necessary. This would include arrangements for the fair distribution of water from shared resources like the Jordan River and the Mountain Aquifer.
H. Cultural and Educational Exchange: To build a lasting peace, cultural and educational exchanges aimed at promoting mutual understanding and reconciliation are crucial. Educational reforms could help foster a narrative of peace and coexistence.
I. Implementation and International Guarantees: The agreement would require a clear timeline for implementation, with stages and milestones. International guarantees and monitoring would be essential to ensure compliance and to assist in resolving disputes.
A comprehensive peace agreement would need to address these elements thoughtfully, balancing the needs and concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians. While challenging, such an agreement would be a monumental step toward a peaceful and prosperous future for both peoples. Ultimately the key in my mind is to sideline the hardliners/wing-nuts/extremists from both sides.
Challenges and Obstacles
Achieving a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine is fraught with numerous challenges and obstacles. That said, taking the time to understand these difficulties can help us understand what might be needed to overcome them in future attempts. Quite frankly, it’s a lot.
One of the most significant challenges comes from extremists on both sides. Palestinian militants have often used terrorism as a means to oppose Israeli policies and presence, targeting civilians and creating a climate of fear and insecurity in Israel. This violence not only costs lives but also erodes trust and hardens attitudes against concessions. Similarly, Jewish religious extremists in Israel, particularly those who vehemently claim a divine right to Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), oppose any territorial compromises. These groups have used both political influence and, at times, violence to derail peace initiatives that involve ceding these areas.
Political fragmentation within both Israeli and Palestinian societies complicates the peace process. In Israel, coalition governments often include parties with divergent views on the conflict, making consensus on peace initiatives challenging. Within the Palestinian territories, the division between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza represents differing ideologies and approaches to Israel, complicating unified representation in negotiations.
The conflict often attracts international involvement, which can be both good and bad. While international mediators can facilitate dialogue, the perceived biases or strategic interests of external actors can sometimes complicate the process. Furthermore, international condemnation or support can embolden either side to adopt more rigid positions.
The deeply entrenched historical grievances and narratives of both peoples impact their views on the conflict and potential solutions. These historical narratives are often used to justify current positions and actions, making it challenging to foster a forward-looking approach to peace. It is not immediately clear if there is a way to have both parties “get over it” if you will.
Then we have the socio-economic disparities between Israelis and Palestinians and the ensuing anger over this issue contributing to the conflict. Poverty, lack of opportunities, and restrictions in the Palestinian territories fuels resentment and extremism, while economic concerns in Israel can lead to resistance against perceived risky concessions. I believe this can be overcome with outside economic investment in a demilitarized Palestine.
Ultimately, it all boils down to a pervasive lack of trust between Israelis and Palestinians, fueled by decades of conflict, poses a significant hurdle. Fear of the other side not upholding their end of a peace agreement or using the peace process to gain tactical advantages is a common concern. This of course returns us to the question of how to sideline the extremists so that the average mother and father (Israeli and Palestinian) can push forward with a better future for their children.
Despite all these challenges, it is essential to recognize that both Israelis and Palestinians will deeply benefit from a peaceful coexistence through a two-state solution. Aspirations for peace (even if they be from a minority) provides a glimmer of hope and a foundation upon which to build. Overcoming the obstacles to peace will require not only political will and leadership but also grassroots efforts to foster understanding and reconciliation between the two peoples.
Roles for the International Community
The international community will play a critical role in facilitating and supporting a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine. Various countries and international organizations can contribute in distinct ways, leveraging their influence, resources, and diplomatic capabilities. Here is what I am thinking in this regard:
United States: The United States has traditionally been a key player in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. As a close ally of Israel and a significant player in global politics, the U.S. can use its diplomatic influence to encourage negotiations and offer security guarantees. Moreover, its role in providing aid and support to the Palestinian Authority can help in building the foundations for a viable Palestinian state.
European Union: The EU, with its economic power and historical ties to the region, can play a significant role in supporting economic development in Palestine. This support could come in the form of trade agreements, investment in infrastructure, and aid for social services. The EU can also use its diplomatic channels to encourage compliance with international law and human rights standards.
Arab States: Neighboring Arab countries, particularly those who have normalized relations with Israel such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, can contribute to the peace process by fostering regional cooperation and economic integration. Egypt and Jordan, having peace treaties with Israel, can play a role in mediation and confidence-building measures. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's influence in the Arab world could be pivotal, especially if it chooses to advance its own peace initiatives or support existing ones.
Russia and China: As influential members of the United Nations Security Council, Russia and China can support peace initiatives through their diplomatic channels. They can help in ensuring that any peace agreement is backed by the international community and that resolutions related to the conflict are fair and balanced.
United Nations: The UN has long been involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, providing humanitarian aid and monitoring human rights. UN agencies like UNRWA play a critical role in supporting Palestinian refugees. The UN can also provide a neutral platform for negotiations and contribute to international monitoring and peacekeeping efforts.
Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Society: International NGOs and civil society groups can contribute by promoting grassroots initiatives that foster mutual understanding and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. These efforts are crucial in building a peace culture and can complement political negotiations.
International Financial Institutions: Organizations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund can assist in the economic development of a future Palestinian state, providing loans, expertise, and oversight to ensure sustainable economic growth.
The international community's involvement should be guided by a balanced approach that respects the aspirations and concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians. By providing diplomatic support, economic aid, and fostering regional integration, the international community can play a pivotal role in paving the way towards a sustainable and lasting peace. If there is a willingness of the parties, a silencing of the extremists, and honest international brokers, this can get done.
Conclusion
The core issues of the conflict - land and borders, security, Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, and mutual recognition - require thoughtful and balanced approaches. Any viable peace agreement must address these issues comprehensively, acknowledging the legitimate concerns and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. The role of the international community as honest brokers, from the United States to the European Union, Arab States, international organizations, as well as (I am sad to say) Russia, China is likely indispensable in facilitating and supporting this process. Their involvement must be characterized by an even-handed approach. One that fosters trust and encourages compromise.
Moreover, it is vital to remember that, undeniably, the majority of both Israelis and Palestinians would benefit from peaceful coexistence. This common ground provides a foundation upon which peace efforts can be built. Overcoming the challenges and obstacles, including extremism and violence, political divisions, historical grievances, and socio-economic disparities, requires not just political will and leadership but also grassroots efforts to promote understanding and reconciliation.
I hope we agree about the importance of continued efforts and dialogue towards achieving a lasting peace. The resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential not only for the stability and prosperity of the region but for setting a precedent in how we, as a global community, address deeply rooted conflicts. The path to peace is undoubtedly complex, but with persistent effort, empathy, and a commitment to justice and mutual respect, a peaceful resolution is within reach.