Why there’s only one solution, and that solution is peace

The murderous attack by Hamas on 7 October and the subsequent 10 months of war in the Gaza Strip have made every Zionist question whether peace with the Palestinians is possible. Could the level of killing and brutality we experienced on 7 October from Hamas terrorists be the clearest evidence that between the river and the sea, there can only be one state – Israeli or Palestinian?

Yet, in such a period of ongoing violent reality, it’s worth remembering at least 10 reasons why peace is the only solution that can preserve both peoples in their land:

1. The fight against Islamic fundamentalism. Combating Islamic fundamentalism requires a combination of tools: military action; an education system promoting democracy and human rights; and creating conditions for economic prosperity. War alone cannot defeat extreme ideology. It’s necessary to join forces with moderate elements in neighbouring countries who are as threatened by extremism as the Israelis. Such co-operation cannot occur if Israel is fighting against the Palestinians;
2. Israel’s desire to live. The best proof of this is the country’s achievements in the economic, security, and cultural fields, among others. Until the current government was formed, there was a sense that Israel was working for its citizens. A country that desires to live must ensure that as many friendly states as possible are along its borders, and furthermore, that these states are willing to co-operate in security and economic domains. The global landscape, from the European Union to economic agreements in North America, Asia, and beyond, provides examples. Israel and Middle East countries cannot afford to lag behind in this regard;
3. The Israeli presence in the West Bank. This is neither economic nor security-driven. The settlements consume funds without adding economic value to Israel. The security forces are compelled to protect more than 350 settlements and outposts instead of maintaining a well-defined and agreed-upon border. The financial expenditure and amount of manpower the military allocates to securing these settlements are a significant economic and security burden;
4. The cost of war. Even when “winning” a war, the economic, social, and personal costs are overwhelming, let alone when not winning. The balance of power between rivals is constantly shifting, and even a weaker enemy can exploit the weaknesses of a stronger opponent, as seen on 7 October;
5. Enduring hatred. Palestinian hatred towards Israel won’t disappear after any war. On the contrary, it’s likely to increase. Peace agreements are just the beginning of the journey toward peaceful coexistence. Both sides will need to maintain this path through an education system focused on peace, reconciliation, the development of economic interests, and commercial and cultural co-operation;
6. Hope for the future. Millions of Palestinians aspire to live with hope for a better future. Palestinian society is one of the most educated in the Middle East, and understands the West better than any other Arab society. An era of peace would bring unprecedented prosperity to the Palestinians;
7. The nature of peace. Peace means painful compromise for both sides, and involves a two-state solution. Palestinians will live in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, giving up the dream of a greater Palestine, while Israel will evacuate a significant portion of the settlements. It’s crucial for Israel to acknowledge the dangers posed by the settlements to prevent social, economic, and political collapse;
8. The international dimension. The conflict between Israelis and the Palestinians extends beyond a struggle between two peoples. The International Court of Justice’s opinions are one indication of the conflict’s international scope. Over time, the international community won’t accept the Israeli occupation. If there’s one issue on which Western countries and major powers like Russia and China agree, it’s that the Israeli occupation must end. Withdrawal from the occupied territories is essential for regional stability. For Israel, the danger of confrontation with the international community represents an existential threat. Israel cannot afford to isolate itself economically, security-wise, or culturally from the world and create a closed and pariah state without connections to supportive nations and powers;
9. The Palestinian Authority’s role. It’s easy to criticise the Palestinian Authority as corrupt and undemocratic, but we cannot ignore its success in combating terrorism. For nearly 20 years, there were almost no terror attacks originating from the Palestinian territories. In the past two years, the Palestinian Authority has weakened to the point where it struggles to combat terrorism in Palestinian cities, but its strengthening largely depends on Israel’s willingness;
10. Peace isn’t a magic solution. Even after achieving peace with the Palestinians, Israel will still face hostile states and existential threats from movements and countries that seek its destruction. However, peace is the smartest and fastest way to strengthen itself to better handle these threats. It involves building a strong military while also developing a strong society and economy.

• Yonatan Mizrachi is a research associate at the Forum for Regional Thinking and the co-director of Settlement Watch in the Peace Now movement. He will be speaking at Limmud Johannesburg this weekend on issues including “Is a Political Solution Between Israel and the Palestinians Possible?”