Israel Talks Peace — But Delays the Process

Let’s be clear: official Israel speaks of peace, yet systematically delays the very process it claims to support.

It is no coincidence that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance arrived in the region with a prominent delegation including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, nor that he will soon be followed by Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Adviser.
This week could mark the realization of Trump’s peace plan — and with it, a crucial opportunity to secure Israel’s democratic future.
Its failure, however, could turn Israel into an isolated and persecuted state, sliding from democracy toward theocracy, led by a far-right government whose current conduct already raises deep concern about the integrity of future democratic processes — even the fairness of elections — under the pretext of endless “states of emergency.”

Washington and Cairo Move Forward — Jerusalem Hesitates

While the U.S., Egypt, and partners from Europe and the Gulf have already entered the operational phase — with a new American coordination hub in Kiryat Gat and preparations underway for the Cairo Conference in early November —
the Israeli government continues to send mixed messages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition speaks of peace and humanitarian reconstruction, but in practice delays and obstructs the process.
It exploits the sensitive issue of the hostages and fallen, and frightens the public with supposed external threats such as “the Turks,” to justify its claim that international cooperation threatens sovereignty.
This is not a security doctrine — it is a strategy of political survival, designed to buy time and preserve power.

The Opposition and Academia Fail to See the Trap

Sadly, both Israel’s opposition and its academic leadership fail to grasp that they are playing into the government’s hands.
Their silence, hesitation, and lack of professional engagement in the reconstruction effort allow extremist and messianic elements within the coalition to continue blocking Israeli participation — the same way they continue to undermine democracy, the judiciary, academic freedom, and the very symbols of statehood.

The World Moves Forward — With or Without Israel

This week, Marco Rubio, a long-time friend of Israel and a senior Trump-era statesman, arrives to promote the joint U.S.–Egypt reconstruction framework.
Germany, the UK, France, and the UAE are already preparing for the Cairo Conference, where joint task forces will present plans on environment, infrastructure, and finance.
An international stabilization force is also ready to enter Gaza, expediting the recovery process — including the dignified return of hostages’ remains to Israel.

Israel must be part of this process, not only to ensure its success but to secure its share in the massive projects ahead — and to prevent irreversible damage to sustainability, infrastructure, and essential services.
If Israel remains trapped in internal politics, it will lose not only its place in reconstruction, but also the trust of the democratic world.

The Choice Is Ours: “America is not coming to impose — it is coming to save what can still be rebuilt.”

“International cooperation is not weakness; it is the strength of a nation that understands the limits of power.”
“Those who frighten us with talk of the Americans, the Egyptians, or the UN — simply do not want us to return to normalcy.”
“The real choice is between national isolation and regional integration that ensures genuine security — both economic and human.”

Israel can bring to the table its true assets:
world-class expertise in engineering, desalination, solar energy, and AI-based planning —
and become a partner in visionary projects such as the artificial-island initiative and coastal expansion off Gaza.

Or it can remain outside — while the world moves forward without it.“Without Israeli experts, reconstruction will not progress properly or quickly — and without democracy, Israel itself will not progress.”

(Photo: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio — MANDEL NGAN / Pool via REUTERS)