Realistic. Orbach
Photo: Gabi Menashe
Two states for one people
Arabs want one state that is Palestinian-only and another one that is half-Arab
For years now we’ve been hearing the slogan “two states for two peoples.” The Arab citizens of Israel and the fanatic Left always supported it. However, over the years, when members of the Israeli Center and small parts of the Likud got tired of standing up for ourselves, the two-state vision was endorsed by many. We live here, they live there, end of story.
This is certainly a tempting vision. The conflict, according to common perception, is between Jewish-Israelis and Palestinian-Muslims. If we only solve the problems of “occupation” and “the territories” (two words that serve the leftist perception, because we’re talking about Eretz Israel and not occupied land) we shall have both peoples living safely in their two states.
Wrong. Suddenly, when the official Israel has adopted the fabulous vision of the end of days, and the prime minister even swore in this vision’s name in Annapolis, it turns out that the Palestinians are not really interested in two states for two peoples.
Actually, to be accurate, they are interested in two states, but disagreement prevails regarding the identity and entitlement of the second people. They don’t think the Jewish people deserves its own state. They are generous enough to accept one state that would be designated for Palestinians only, and another state that would be designated for the “Israeli people.”
The Israeli people will bring together Jews, Muslims, and members of various other religions; a state and a half for one people, and half a state for the other people.
This is an excellent joke. Simply because there is no such thing as the “Israeli people.” What we have are Arab citizens who deserve all civil rights in a democratic state, but they are citizens of equal rights in the Jewish State, and not in the state of Israelis. The State of Israel was not established and does not exist in order to resolve the Palestinian or Muslim problem, and not even the Israeli problem, but rather, what is known as the “Jewish problem.” A national home for the Jews.
Let’s try role reversal
Gladly, Israel tries (not always successfully or with the required effort) to enable its Arab citizens to lead a life of freedom and democracy. This is much more than the vision of the future Palestinian state, where there would be no room for any Jew, much less so for a Jewish community, or heaven forbid, a Jewish settlement. Not to mention that many Palestinians would prefer to be discriminated against in the Jewish State rather than live as citizens of equal rights in a Palestinian State. They know why.
But the principle is interesting. Look at the reaction of the Palestinians and their supporters in Israel when they are asked to recognize Israel as a Jewish State for the sake of peace. There, they are already about to get a state of their own, free of Jews and settlements, yet still, they find it difficult. They want one state that’s only theirs, and another joint state for Jews and Arabs, that is, Isratine.
This has always been the Palestinian approach: “What’s ours is already ours. What Israel already agreed to: A Palestinian state for the Palestinians – that’s in our pocket already. Yet regarding this annoying and bothersome matter of a state for the Jews – this won’t be happening. Why should it be that way? We want to be partners in Israel too.”
And we haven’t yet mentioned the State of Gaza, which is yet another tiny and angry Palestinian state that suddenly appeared, and we shall have to engage in negotiations or a small war with it as well one of these days.
Therefore, here is a practical suggestion for role reversal: In the first phase, Israel would not recognize the Palestinians’ right for a state of their own. Why should they get a state? After all, the Arab nation has enough states. If, ultimately, for the sake of peace we will have to allow the establishment of a state with a Palestinian majority, it won’t be recognized as a Palestinian or Arab state. After all, many Jews and Israelis would still be living there.
First, we shall recognize the Jewish right of return to communities in Gush Katif and across Judea and Samaria, the land of our forefathers. Because this is our land too, nobody will be uprooted from his community, neither Jew nor Arab. We will find the technical solutions needed to manage our life together. Meanwhile, the Jewish State will exist safely in little Israel. Two states for two peoples.
