Gaza
I have been asked to comment on the Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip. I have plenty to say, but I think I can keep it uncommonly brief, at least given the scope of the issue.
The studies I have seen indicate that the relative birth rates of Palestinians and Jews in Israel (including Gaza and the West Bank) would put the Jewish population in the minority no later than 2015. If that is the case, force of law may be even less effective in maintaining even the outward appearance of control than is true at this point. Twice, now, there has been an Intifadah, and as ineffective as the rocks and Molotov cocktails may have been in having a real effect at the time, another one started by a Palestinian majority could be devastating. From this perspective, a Palestinian state seems the best solution, and the Gaza pullout is the first step in establishing such a state.
Such a move also suggest the removal to the territory of the (future) Palestinian state of Palestinians living in the (future) reduced Israel. The question of the Right of Return, which would allow at least those Palestinians dispossessed by the foundation of Israel, and in some cases their descendents, to live in the new Israel, is difficult. However, the same problem of relative population exists. The new Israel would instantly have a Jewish minority, and the foundation of a Palestinian state would leave the population problem. Right of Return cannot be granted. Again, however, a Palestinian state seems the best solution, though one that would, initially anyway, require a division of populations into Palestinian and Jewish.
Finally, the settlers who are resisting—this is, I understand, more prevalent in the south—seem not to recognize that their hardships, brought on by the urging of earlier Israeli governments, are likely to imrove regional stability. I would hate to be driven from my home (we won't get into eminent domain here, though I am tempted to go there when the next ruling kicks in), but provided I received compensation and support that made up for it, I would accept it if it led to a better life for my family. Still, a Palestinian state, begun with this first pullout, seems the best solution.
The settlers are justly upset, but their response is, I think, out of proportion to the long-range benefits such a move promises. If there were a way around this, I would love to hear it, but a Palestinian state is pretty much a foregone conclusion at this point. The Israelis know this, and the majority of the Israeli population—including a majority of Jews, if the polls I have heard are accurate—support the foundation of such a state. Sadly, like much in that region, it seems, violence must precede any hope.
The studies I have seen indicate that the relative birth rates of Palestinians and Jews in Israel (including Gaza and the West Bank) would put the Jewish population in the minority no later than 2015. If that is the case, force of law may be even less effective in maintaining even the outward appearance of control than is true at this point. Twice, now, there has been an Intifadah, and as ineffective as the rocks and Molotov cocktails may have been in having a real effect at the time, another one started by a Palestinian majority could be devastating. From this perspective, a Palestinian state seems the best solution, and the Gaza pullout is the first step in establishing such a state.
Such a move also suggest the removal to the territory of the (future) Palestinian state of Palestinians living in the (future) reduced Israel. The question of the Right of Return, which would allow at least those Palestinians dispossessed by the foundation of Israel, and in some cases their descendents, to live in the new Israel, is difficult. However, the same problem of relative population exists. The new Israel would instantly have a Jewish minority, and the foundation of a Palestinian state would leave the population problem. Right of Return cannot be granted. Again, however, a Palestinian state seems the best solution, though one that would, initially anyway, require a division of populations into Palestinian and Jewish.
Finally, the settlers who are resisting—this is, I understand, more prevalent in the south—seem not to recognize that their hardships, brought on by the urging of earlier Israeli governments, are likely to imrove regional stability. I would hate to be driven from my home (we won't get into eminent domain here, though I am tempted to go there when the next ruling kicks in), but provided I received compensation and support that made up for it, I would accept it if it led to a better life for my family. Still, a Palestinian state, begun with this first pullout, seems the best solution.
The settlers are justly upset, but their response is, I think, out of proportion to the long-range benefits such a move promises. If there were a way around this, I would love to hear it, but a Palestinian state is pretty much a foregone conclusion at this point. The Israelis know this, and the majority of the Israeli population—including a majority of Jews, if the polls I have heard are accurate—support the foundation of such a state. Sadly, like much in that region, it seems, violence must precede any hope.
Ignited by Andrew Purvis at 12:58 AM
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