Remember those Israelis wanting a peaceful resolution? Like I assume many here have also been wondering yet all we have heard is justifications for vicious atrocities. Yes, Hamas committed horrors that started this latest cycle of bloodshed of a history of vicious reprisals, a war without end.
Over the last few decades [those interested] have noticed a slide to where Religious Zionism/Kahanism has become the driving force in Israeli politics and has little to do with Judaism, it has come to resemble Hamas’ stated goal of an ethnically cleansed country, yet only one has been a designated terrorist organization by the “West”.
I have long agreed with Jimmy Carter’s view on the Israel-Palestine Conflict.
I recommend reading his book: Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid
Also his comments
Jimmy Carter on Middle East Peace: Council on Foreign Relations Speech Calls for Renewed Commitment to Justice for Palestinians, Israelis March 1, 2006
The Major Obstacles to Peace in the Holy Land
We all share a dream of peace in the Middle East. This afternoon I will review what has brought us to the present situation, the obstacles before us, and some things that must be done to bring peace and justice to the region.
My comments will focus on some aspects that are not usually discussed freely. I know how politically sensitive some of the issues are, but I'll be as accurate and frank as possible. I don't intend to run again for public office and can always rely on Secret Service protection!
The three most basic premises are quite clear:
- Israel's right to exist - and to live in peace - must be recognized and accepted by Palestinians and all other neighbors;
- The killing of innocent people by suicide bombs or other acts of violence cannot be condoned; and
- Palestinians must live in peace and dignity, and permanent Israeli settlements on their land are a major obstacle to this goal.
* I suggest reading the whole link, as usual.
*Americans made an error when they voted out Carter.
The Israel-Palestine conflict is often used as an excuse if not the actual reason for violence in the region. Actually, most of it is our [The West’s Colonialism] damn fault.
Now back to the title of the diary, this article in Haaretz [paywall] jump-started my thoughts:-
Amid the Gaza War, Is Israel's Pro-peace Camp Facing Extinction or Resurrection?
Even without projecting left-wing anti-occupation fantasies onto the huge crowds at Israel's antiwar and anti-Netanyahu protests, it is still safe to say that a growing number of Jewish Israelis are disillusioned with their government's warmongering ways – to the point that they could conceivably make common cause with the defiant, enduring left
First, when looking at the paltry numbers of the self-identified left and dismal electoral predictions for left-wing parties, remember just what a terrible position the left was in prior to October 7. It sounds like cold comfort, but the change between bad and dismal isn't actually very big, and those who remain in this camp are more committed – even if they are more depressed – than ever. Surveys even show a slight recovery for the left since October, matched by a renewed urgency of activism in society.
Second, over seven months of war have led much larger groups within Israel to take positions that make common cause with the left. And their numbers are far more impressive.
After October 7, there was a spasm of hitpakchut – the Hebrew term translated loosely as "seeing the light" – that is used in Israel's right-leaning mainstream to describe left-wingers admitting the error of their ways. It made for saucy headlines, but in daily conversation, many mainstream center-left types say that the current situation proves more than ever that the conflict must somehow be resolved, through some sort of two-state solution. "There's simply no other way," is a common conclusion.
Left-wing activism also regained its footing over time. After the disarray, shock, loss of life and loneliness of the first few months, the pro-peace, anti-occupation communities have become increasingly active.
The trends are matched by mobilization-expressing doubts about the leadership. In late April, parents of soldiers now serving in the army sent a letter to Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, war cabinet minister Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, also in the war cabinet, to express their deep sense of abandonment. The tone is anguished, and the parents accuse the leadership of recklessly risking their sons' lives in Gaza with "political" motivations.
"To our sorrow," they wrote, "we must say as forcefully as possible – we don't trust you anymore!" Simona, who initiated the document and preferred to be identified only by her first name, said there are 1,900 signatories, including over 600 parents of soldiers, but they have received no response. Simona says she has voted for right-wing parties her whole life, never for the left.
There's no point projecting left-wing fantasies onto the mainstream crowds, but there is every opportunity for common cause.
I have copied as much as I dare, keeping it to around 1/3.
To all Israelis and Palestinians wanting a peaceful cohabiting 1 or 2 democratic nations I wish you well. I am sick to the stomach of the innocent dying for no valid reason.
To those hiding behind religion to mask their odiousness, may you rot.
The only way out of war is peace.