Israeli Government: the Creation of a Binational State - Essay Example

Topic: Using the theory of conflict transformation prepare a brief for the Israeli government detailing why the creation of a bi-national is their best response to strikes in early September. The issue of Israel-Palestinian relations is one of the most burning topics in international politics. There has not been any progress in negotiations since the deadlock arisen in 2004. Recent missiles attack near three schools in Israeli town Sderot has brought the issue on the forefront once again so that it might be resolved once and forever. Many attempts have been made earlier and currently also to reach a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Some of the important negotiations held earlier to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that could not give results, include the initiatives like Clinton parameters of 2000, the Taba talks of 2001, the road map of 2002-3, the Nusseibeh-Ayalon Plan, and the Geneva Accords of 2003. Failures of such initiatives have made it clear that in the absence of any fruitful dispute resolution formula, fighting and bloodshed would worsen the situation further. The international community as well as the UN resolutions has not been successful in resolving the dispute in accordance with international law. The idea of two nation theory, circulated in different forms for the last five decades, has been advocated by scholars and intellectuals alike from both sides. The Israeli government, on its part, has been making it clear through its recent policies and strategies that it is in no mood to resolve the impasse through the two-nation theory – the theory of conflict transformation (Hadi, Passia Publications). 1 1.Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi (Editor) Head of Passia Publications, Jerusalem, May 2005 The creation of a bi-national state is not only in the best interest of Palestinians but also for the people and government of Israel, embarking on an era of peaceful co-existence, bringing an end to the type of missile attacks on the towns and cities of Israel. There is need to look at the dispute from different angles – historical, conceptual, and religious sides as well, involving the refugee question, Jerusalem, the settlement issue and the future geography of Pales­tine/Israel. In the background of fresh missile attack on the town of Sderot by Islamic extremists, it is in the overall interests of both communities and the government of Israel to reconsider the theory of conflict transformation – the basis of the creation of bi-national state (OLoughlin) 2. The theory of conflict transformation, as propounded by Dr. Johan Galtung, Head – Transcend, is based on non-violence, creativity and empathy to make both parties move further from a static position to a realistic relationship. It is in sharp contrast to the earlier approach of diplomatic war of words and war itself fought internationally, aggregating the bitterness and imbalances in relations. Approach is to handle the conflict through education, open discussion and research accomplished creatively and peacefully. This methodological theory of conflict transformation has already been tested on international conflicts the like in Peru/Ecuador, where earlier approaches were not giving positive results to end conflicts. 2. OLoughlin, Herald Correspondent in Jerusalem -- September 5, 2007 The initiatives taken are ‘virtual’ -- programmed from ‘peace journalism’ to ‘peace at the personal level’. Dr. Galtung’s has outlined a significant positive vision of nonviolent ends to conflicts that have reached beyond the possibility of a solution. It would be pertinent to mention the successful application of Galtung’s Transcend method in the territory of Andes – a conflict between Ecuador and Peru, which was resolved by transforming it in a bi-national zone besides building a park and erecting a peace monument. A 30 years old conflict, featured with violence, came to an end (Gavin, www.calpeacepower.org).3 If it can happen between Ecuador and Peru; it can be tried and tested between Israelis and Palestinians. Creativity – “the missing dimension” -- is the essence of the approach to conflict transformation. Joint management of the bi-national zone – the disputed territory was based on equitable cooperation between the neighbours. The example of Ecuador and Peru dispute settlement through the theory of conflict transformation should be convincing enough for the Israeli Government to take the lead, and try to resolve it peacefully. The ‘formula of creativity’ and the identification of the ‘need to enter a new element, a new dimension and way of thinking’ are quintessential to realize peaceful transformation of the dispute between the two countries. Galtung has based his peaceful resolution of the conflict on the model of European Community involving six states, suggesting the making of a Middle East Community involving Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, and 3. Alice Gavin www.calpeacepower.org Egypt, besides Israel with East Jerusalem as capital of Palestine. According to Galtung, the basic principle in peace practice and theory is: ‘if you want something in relation to the other parties be willing to give that to the others too.’ The propelling agent for such transformation is civil society – made up of independent movements and organizations established by the people of Israel and Palestine themselves. The role and active participation of young generation in this regard is very important as they are the future leaders. The main feature of Transcend is idealism mingled with realism. The time frame is 20 tough years to realize the dream of peaceful co-existence. The demographers also point to a bi-national state. Yair Sheleg 4 in Harrtz Israel news has given details of population ratio at the time of the war of independence and 53 years later in 2003, which is identical to 81% Jews and 19% Arabs. According to Professor Sergio Della Pergola, a demographer from the Hebrew University’s Institute of Contemporary Jewry, a demographic balance is made up of three segments: immigration, mortality, and birth. His estimates predict a downfall in the rate of immigration – an advantage to Jews in the earlier decades of 21st century, being taken away as a result of decreasing rate of immigration. According to research done by Israel Defence Forces National Defence College, Palestinian immigration to East Jerusalem has been increasing. Fertility trends in non-Jewish sectors are coming down due to modernisation. Della 4. Yair Sheleg The demographics point to a binational state Haaretz Israel News Pergola also agrees that to a certain extent, following the example of Iran, where government has been successful in capturing the rate of population growth, Israeli Muslim population would, in the end, be parallel to that of Jewish. In Della Pergola’s opinion, “… in the long term modernisation will triumph over Muslim fundamentalism”. Modernisation and education in the Arab society would bring the Muslim fertility rate down and similar to Jews. Even if remaining on the lower side of the scale, it is estimated that Israel’s Arab population would record 30% growth by 2050; hence bi-national state is the only solution. Radical political measures like swapping highly populated sectors – ‘annexing the Jewish population clusters in the West Bank, in exchange for annexing to the Palestinian Authority areas with a dense Arab population…’ – is the answer (Yair Sheleg). 4 2. 1500 words go to a dialogue between two people discussing the issue and that it is time for the countries and in particular the more military powerful Israel to find an end to the fighting. Dialogue Sharon: The current deadlock on conflict resolution between the Israel-Palestine dispute needs some charismatic key to open the dialogue process. My dear friend, Mick Kardahji, what is your opinion on the 100 years old clashes; what would be the unanimous solution to this highly burning issue? 4. Yair Sheleg The demographics point to a binational state Haaretz Israel News Mick Kardahji: I think you are right! Do you have any knowledge on the background of the conflict? Although Israel has become a militarily powerful state and the onus of providing a solution to the rights of Palestine people, living as refugees in neighbouring Muslim countries lies with the Israeli government but we all know that earlier Jews and Arabs were living under the British mandate – a type of bi-national arrangement when in 1920 the Palestine riots started. Later, the Jaffa riots created out of misunderstanding by the Arabs that they were the targets, further deteriorated the politically charged atmosphere. Sharon: You might be true, as it is history. There is a long list of such massacres – Hebron massacre, and Safed massacre where Jews were made the target. It is high time that serious efforts are made to resolve the conflict. Since 2004, no serious attempt has been made to resolve the conflict. “Intifada culture” has been in practice for the last 3 years, resulting in Israelis recapturing Palestinian cities, launching military attacks, and adapting closure policies. Regarding history of earlier solutions, a famous Jewish theologian, Buber, was one of the staunch and early supporters of bi-nationalism. Later, in 1948 when Israel got independence, Buber changed his views and even supported the two state solution. Mick Kardahji: Yes! Hannah Arendt, a critic of totalitarian and fascism, also offered a federated state, as a ‘natural stepping stone’ for any bigger federated state in the Near East and the Mediterranean Area. Sharon: The UN Special Committee on Palestine Report of Subcommittee Two also presented three draft solutions. The Morrison Grady Plan, presented by Herbert Morrison in July 1946, called for federalization under totally British trusteeship. Another solution offered was unitary democratic state in the British mandate of Palestine. Both solutions failed to get majority support in the UN General Assembly. Then came the 1947 UN Partition Plan favouring two-state solution. Mick Kardahji: Aggression could be a way to resolve the conflict. What do you say? Sharon: Aggression had been tried in 1967 when Israel made advances in Gaza Strip and West Bank, capturing areas in the Six Day War of 1967 but the winning of other lands has only multiplied the woes of people on both sides. The result of 1973 Yom Kippur War and riots of 2000 made it clear that aggression can not solve the problem. Suicide bombings in the new form of extremism can follow-up as has been happening worldwide. Mick Kardahji: People of Israel have been advocating sanctions like cutting of electric, water and fuel supply to the people living in Gaza Strip and West Bank -- a tool against extremism as a way out but it is not going to end the woes of innocent ones on both sides as missile attacks by extremists cannot be stopped - only a positive dialogue and peaceful solution can solve the violence at both ends. Bi-national solution could be the best response in that sense. Mick Kardahji: It is not that serious efforts have not been made but no concrete formula could be evolved to provide a solution. You can notice how some of the initiatives could not stand the test, take for example the Clinton Parameters of 2000, the Taba talks of 2001, the road map of 2002-3, the Nusseibeh-Ayalon Plan and the Geneva Ac­cords of 2003. At that time, it seemed that violence was penetrating deeply in the lives of both the people due to the lack of any fruitful proposition. Sharon: Mick, What is your opinion on the latest advertised two nations theory? As it has become evident that international law and UN resolutions have not come to the rescue of common masses who are bearing the brunt of such attacks and massacres on both sides of the border. Mick Kardahji: I don’t think the Israeli government will seriously give ears to the creation of bi-national state as an answer to the solution. The policies and strategies of the government of Israel don’t support the bi-national theory, which has been followed in different forms since the last 50 years. Once, the theory of bi-national state was offered as a solution to the territorial rights of both Jews and Pales tines. Sharon: Do you see any difference between the one-state solution and bi-national solution to conflict transformation? Mick Kardahji: Yes, definitely there is difference in bi-national solution and one-state solution. In a bi-national state, groups get equal representation but one-state stresses on equal representation of individuals. There is also difference between cultural and national Zionism. When the movement for bi-national state started, Arabs were not in its favour; it had limited support from Ahmed Khalidi, Musa Alami and Fauzi Hus­seini. In 1948, it was totally rejected by the Zionist rulers. Later, because of the importance given to two-state paradigm by Palestinians after 1988, the bi-national movement died its own death. Sharon: But that is history now. Many scholars, intellectuals and social welfare groups are reviving the bi-national theory as the only solution to the conflict. Israel has been practicing expansionism through settlements, the separation wall and aggressive policies. Earlier, World opinion had been in favour of two-state solution and Palestinians. All the tendencies and attitudes of Israeli government can impact the two-state theory and unilaterism of Israel could open into a scenario where Palestinians no more advocate the two-state theory. Mick Kardahji: But the two-state solution couldn’t be realized through Oslo Peace process in which PLO was allowed to rule the affairs in Gaza strip and West Bank in conjunction to the recognition and mutual understanding with Israel. West Bank and Gaza Strip are known to be the would-be parts of the land of a Palestinian state. Israelis also agree to it in principle. But local minorities on both sides support some other solutions, which go against the goal of ‘two states for two people’. Some of the local groups favour total eradication or shifting of the other community. A one-state solution, popularly known as bi-national solution, is getting the support of a small segment of population from both sides. It will form part of the whole Israel, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank becoming part of the bi-national state, guaranteeing equal citizenship rights to all of its present residents. Sharon: I think, the Israeli government and its people don’t see eye to eye the theory of bi-national state to resolve the conflict, as it might risk a backlash on the government policies. The government was warned against this theory as early as 1973 against holding on to the territories occupied. Histadrut Secretary General I. Ben-Aharon, for example, had warned in a March 1973, writing for The Jerusalem Post that Israel could not have any actual right over a bi-national state and that Israelis should be satisfied with a state already having a good Arab minority — that is, Israel proper. Mick Kardahji: But there were different realizations on the other side. The result of 1973 Yom Kipper War compelled Palestinian leadership to reach the conclusion that it won’t be possible to defeat Israel because of its military power and friendship with US. Yasser Arafat – Head PLO – also openly supported the formula of bi-national state as the only solution to the conflict. It was a time in 1974. Sharon: But that was old time. Currently, once again, the concept of bi-national state is catching ground and finding favour from scholars and intellectuals of both sides. Bi-nationalism has resurfaced and is arousing interest among scholars as well as politicians who have decisive role in the successful implication of the concept. To mention one of the scholars’ opinions on the debate, Tony Judt, New York University scholar, wrote in New York Review of books in 2003 about the impracticality of two-state solution. Its failure was predicted that time. Mick Kardahji: Yes, media is also coming in favour of bi-national solution, which is realistic. Even leftist journalists from Israel like Haim Hanegbi and Daniel Gavron are coming openly in projecting the bi-national formula as it is based on facts, which the common man understands. These writers have surcharged the emotions in the press of the UK and US. One can see public opinion is so much aroused in favour of bi-national solution to conflict resolution that the New York Review started getting 1000 letters per week on the published topic. Sharon: Yes, It is very interesting to note that similar voices in favour of the bi-national formula are being heard on the Palestinian side. Mick Kardahji: In fact, no other choice is left with the people of both religions other than sharing the land that has brought them together. The last 50 years of Israeli history prove testimony that traditional Zionism has not been able to provide a viable solution to the presence of Palestinians. Important thing is that this sharing should be democratically administered guaranteeing equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their religious lineage. Sharon: Similar feelings have come from top-level Fatah Palestinian officials, as well as from Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei, Hani Al-Masri. Yasser Arafat had also expressed such hopes on bi-national formula in British newspaper The Guardian in 2004. In a way, death of Arafat proved the futility of the Oslo Accords and the Two-State Solution. Mick Kardahji: It is good that the one-state solution is finding favours with Palestinian authors like Ali Abunimah, Palestinian lawyer Michael Tarazi , Jeff Halper , Israeli writer Dan Gavron , and American academic Virginia Tilley. The Israeli Settler movement in the West Bank supports the notion of bi-nationalism further and the impracticality of the two-state choice. It could be made possible through democratic and secular means, keeping the Jewish culture intact in the region. But one thing is certain; this will affect the Jewish dream of domination in the affairs of government. Sharon: All is not that well. Hamas, after getting majority in the Palestinian Parliament in the 2006 election, has rebuffed the Two-State Solution in principle. Proclaiming Palestine as an Islamic Waqf, Hamas notion is that all the three religions – Islam, Christianity and Judaism -- can live peacefully only under the Islamic cover. Mick Kardahji: But their President, Mahmoud Abbas had called for a referendum on the controversy so that they could go ahead with the rounds of talks for a bi-national state as solution to the problem. Let’s hope that Israel, being a powerful state, takes the initiative of finding a lasting solution to end the fighting. References: Binational solution. 17 Sep. 2007. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 10 Oct. 2007. . Gavin, Alice. “Conflict Transformation in the Middle East Dr. Johan Galtung on Confederation in Iraq and a Middle East Community for Israel/Palestine”. Peace Power Winter 2006. 10 Oct. 2007. (www.calpeacepower.org>. Hadi, Dr. Mahdi Abdul. “Passia Publications”. Jerusalem, May 2005. 10 Oct. 2007. . OLoughlin. “Missiles prompt threat to cut supplies”. 5 Sep. 2007. Herald. 10 Oct. 2007. . 2003-present. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 10 Oct. 2007. . Yair, Sheleg. “The demographics point to a binational state”. Haaretz Israel News. Israel Time 13 Oct. 2007: 07:36 (EST+7) 10 Oct. 2007. . Read More