Quote:
Originally Posted by Azure
It really is a damned if you do, damned if you don't kind of deal.
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In that vein, I should point out that what concerns me the most in this situation is the viability of the state of Israel as we look into the future. The current trajectory is one wherein the Israelis have the most to lose. The Palestinians are impoverished and their infrastructure is dilapidated (to be kind), whereas conditions in Israel are the opposite. However, continued friction with neighbours will lead to increased isolationism and endanger Israel's economic strength and prosperity.
The demographic situation in and around Israel is the main reason why the country has to be mindful of its international stance. Palestinians in the occupied territories have a high birth rate. Inside Israel, there is also a significant minority of non-Jews, and already a discussion (and a level of friction) exists about the "character" of the Israeli state going forward. Allowing Israel proper to progress in the manner of a north american cultural mosaic (melting pot unlikely) will likely challenge the intertwining of religion and state that is characteristic of Israel (simply due to demographics). In other words, the one state solution isn't satisfying to those like me who would like to see Israel as a uniquely Jewish nation, because even with peace, the demographics will inevitably change the character of the state.
The two state solution works for me provided there is peace from the Palestinian side (duh!), but that simultaneously requires the Israeli side to grant it the right of self-determination (and the sticky point of moving some Israeli settlers away from their current location). A two state solution with blockades and embargos is simply a twist on the current status quo, and will not extricate Israel from the demographic pressures around it.
In the short run this war of attrition simply hardens middle east stances against Israel. In the long run, simply due to demographics, the current war of attrition is (imo) fatal for Israel. I think some politicians inside Israel recognize this (I think Livni does), but my perspective is that the current hawkish administration, along with some "prominent" voices in the US, are doing damage to Israel's prospects in the long run.