Punditry StaffWe have seen it over and over again throughout modern history, be it between Britain and Northern Ireland, or Israel and Egypt. Only peace can eradicate terrorism, as Americans are beginning to worry that the Israel Gaza war may result into more terror against the United States. This war may spill over into a wider one in the region in the short-term, and possibly against U.S. assets in the Middle East. We must remain vigilant and active in defending American interests.
But peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis has been one of the most elusive undertaking ever since the founding of the State of Israel. President Bill Clinton came close to sealing such a lasting peace, at the Camp David Summit in 2000. The extremists on both sides, however, torpedoed it. One side always wanted to annex the West Bank, and some on the other side wanted, and still wants, to throw the Israelis to the sea.
This war may yet bring peace one day. The kind Israel has already struck with two Arab bordering countries: Jordan and Egypt.
ONLY PEACE CAN ERADICATE TERRORISM
Even after the Palestinian Authority recognized Israel’s right to exist, and used diplomacy to try to solve any issues festering between both parties, Israel still kept on building more settlements in the West Bank. The Israeli extremists kept up with their policy to push all West Bank Palestinians to migrate to Jordan. This showed that no matter how peaceful the Palestinians are, Israel is intent on occupying their lands. Only peace can eradicate terrorism and extremism.
In terms of conflict resolution, how can anyone work with such ideological barriers and intent?
After this war, we hope that Israel finishes Hamas off, and the people of Israel vote for a moderate Israeli leadership willing to explore the two-state solution with amenable and non-violent Palestinian partners.
This war may yet bring peace one day. The kind Israel has already struck with two Arab bordering countries: Jordan and Egypt. The kind its sons and daughters need badly.
It [The Biden Administration] must begin to lay the ground for a peace plan now, and should discuss it with all the Israeli leaders and the Palestinians.
THE EXTREMISTS WILL NEVER ABANDON THEIR IDEAS
The likelihood such a peace may happen remains elusive and remote. However, if organizations like Hamas does not survive this war, there may be a chance for peace. If the Israeli people are able to rein the extremist settlers on their side. This war may yet provide solid ground upon which the Israeli people may finally clip the wings of the extremist settlers. Mind you, many of whom their children are exempt from fighting in a war, which has caused much consternation for the average Israeli who is dying in support of their fanaticism.
We will have to wait and see if this analysis holds true.
In the meantime, there is much the Biden Administration can do. It must begin to lay the ground for a peace plan now, and should discuss it with all the Israeli leaders and the Palestinians. Let them know that the United States is going to engage frantically with all peaceful interlocutors to avert such wars in the future. Maybe this is part of the reason President Biden is traveling to Israel on Wednesday.
To understand how the extremists in Israel are using this opportunity to push the Palestinians out of their lands into Jordan or Egypt, King Abdullah of Jordan issued a warning against the “usual suspects” who are promoting such policies. He declared it a “red line” as far as both Arab countries are concerned.
The time has come for leaders to stand up. Otherwise, the systematic killing on both sides will birth a new generation of hardliners.
CONGRESS IS MISSING IN ACTION
Congress should also consider some peace initiative, once it votes for a new Speaker.
If the same 55 Democrats who wrote a letter asking for Israel to respect the international law as it assaults Gaza, also write a letter in support of a two-state solution, it would help silence the Israeli extremists. Or, at least, not let them control the narrative that it’s always 100% the Palestinians’ fault. One that diverts the attention of the world to their Machiavellian machinations.
All it takes is leadership during these dangerous times. One that has been lacking by the terrorist Palestinians and the Israeli government led by militant settlers.
The time has come for leaders to stand up. Otherwise, the systematic killing on both sides will birth a new generation of hardliners. Ones who will not hesitate to start another war in the future. Or ones who have not learned their lessons yet.
It’s as inevitable, as the sun rises tomorrow, if we don’t act.
Only Peace Can Eradicate Terrorism
Punditry Staff
