The Best Possibility for a Positive Israeli Future

I am highly concerned about Israel’s future, so I am presenting a proposal that involves painful admissions and concessions but provides, I believe, the best hope for a positive future for Israel, Jews worldwide, and, indeed, the world.

Israel should acknowledge that we have mistreated the Palestinians, apologize to them, and work with them, the US, and other nations toward a just, comprehensive, sustainable two-state resolution of the Israeli conflict. While many will initially disagree with this analysis, I hope my article starts a respectful dialogue that, with the input of minds far better than mine, leads to very positive results. No matter your views, I hope you will allow me to explain.

First, consider the many potential negatives if Israel continues to strive for “total victory,” despite many military and strategic experts in Israel and worldwide arguing that this is unlikely to happen.

1. Many more brave Israeli soldiers will die or become seriously injured. Each such case is a major blow to a family and heartbreaking for every Jewish Israeli.

2. Many additional Israelis will suffer post-traumatic stress disorder from horrible wartime events they experience.

3. Because of daily reports about the conflicts and, despite our efforts to minimize them, many more civilian deaths, worldwide antisemitism will continue and likely increase.

4. For the above reasons, Israel will increasingly become a pariah state, with much criticism from the US and other nations.

5. The chances for a wider war will increase, and that would likely have devastating effects on Israel.

6. Our economy would continue to suffer, and our credit ratings would continue to weaken.

7. Continued conflicts could cause a global recession if, for example, oil facilities were attacked, causing a sharp rise in prices. 

8. At a time when climate change is increasingly an existential threat to Israel and, indeed, the world, the adverse environmental effects of the conflicts, including fires caused by exploding missiles, would continue and possibly worsen.

9. The many Israelis in the North and South that were forced to vacate their homes will not be able to return while the conflicts continue. 

10. Divisions between Israelis and between Israelis and Diaspora Jews could continue to widen.

11. The chances of normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations, with the many positives that would bring, would be reduced.

Three related considerations: First, Palestinian statements and actions are certainly a major part of the problem. As former Israeli ambassador to the UN Abba Eban famously said, “Palestinians have never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” Palestinian terror over many years has convinced a strong majority of Israeli Jews that there is no way we can reconcile with them. My proposal is arguably the best and possibly the only way to reduce Palestinian terrorism and future wars.

Second, while my plan requires Israeli apologies for reasons discussed below, we and the world’s nations should recognize our many achievements. Jews have won far more than our share of Nobel prizes. As a start-up nation, we have produced many inventions that greatly benefit the world.

Third, most, if not all, nations have shameful parts of their history. For example, the US, while a major democracy, massacred Indians, enslaved Blacks, supported dictators, and engaged in unjust wars, among other negatives.

Below  are responses to expected objections to my proposal:

1. Why reward Hamas for their horrible actions on October 7? 

Actually, Hamas opposes a two-state solution, so it is not a reward for them. The most crucial consideration is what is best for our future. Hopefully, our generous offers will lead to more moderate Palestinian governance.

2. How about the future of the current Jewish residents in  Judea and Samaria? 

The peace agreement should involve a territorial swap that would move most residents into Israel. The others should be suitably compensated.

3. Why would the Palestinians accept an agreement now when they have turned down so many past offers?

Hopefully October 7 and the Gaza war will be a game changer for both the Israelis and Palestinians,  with both sides seeing the horrible consequences of continued fighting. Also, Israeli apologies and promises to treat the Palestinians better should be an important consideration.

4. How can a future Palestinian state be prevented from committing terrorist acts as occurred when Hamas gained power in Gaza?

The horrors that Gazans have experienced since October 7, with their country devastated, many lives lost, and many left homeless and forced to evacuate many times, should convince Palestinians that a new approach is needed based on cooperation with Israel that will provide a far better future for them.

5. Why should we apologize when we have done so much for the Palestinians in providing, for example, health care, social services, and jobs?

No one likes to apologize, but the many negatives of not apologizing and not seeking amends discussed above should be considered. Arab nations deserve much criticism for attacking the newly formed Jewish state in 1948. Many very negative things were done by Israelis and Arabs during our war of independence. According to Israeli Jewish historians including Benny Morris, Jews were responsible for many massacres and forced evacuations. It may be that there would be no Israel today if not for some of these actions, but we should consider the feelings even to the present of Arabs to what they call the “nakba’” the catastrophe.

Fast forwarding, there have been many acts of terror against Palestinian residents of Judea and Samaria since the brutal attacks by Hamas on October 7. Some cases involved scores of masked Jews burning down homes and cars in Palestinian villages. The seriousness of the situation is indicated by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar telling PM Netanyahu that “West Bank Jewish terror is bringing  Israel to the brink of disaster.” Even before these recent events, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said that because of Israeli mistreatment of Palestinians, he would likely be a terrorist if he were a Palestinian.

Bottom line: We have a choice between continued conflicts with the many negative consequences, some potentially catastrophic, considered above, and a much better future based on mutual respect, understanding, and forgiveness. May we choose wisely!