Into the Driver's Seat

While religion plays a crucial role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is important to note that it is not the central issue; disputes over land seem to be the bedrock of the conflict. It is also worth noting that this conflict only began in 1948, and that at several points in history, all three Abrahamic faiths peacefully coexisted and shared Jerusalem. It is essential to understand how sacred Jerusalem (on the border of the West Bank) is to both sides of the conflict and how both parties feel they have a divinely sanctioned right to the territory. Examining the history of this conflict illustrates how things simply spiraled out of control making compromise, specifically the means to share this special land, nearly impossible. The Zionist movement in relation to Holocaust, the Jewish War for Independence in 1949, the Six-Day War, and the First and Second Intifadas have culminated in two sides unwilling to work together in order to reach a lasting, mutually beneficial compromise. This deal would be in the form of an internationally recognized two-state solution, with Jerusalem serving as a shared city. Unfortunately, a large portion of Israelis are tired of the relentless conflict causing them to become apathetic. Having the upper-hand, Israel now lacks the collective willpower to implement change. On the other side are the Palestinians, who possess a sense of national identity but are blocked at every turn from establishing their own country. The rage and frustration in Palestine has pushed organizations like Hamas to employ terror tactics - resulting in Israelis to fight back harder. This process  of bloodshed creates a viscous cycle that is already highly complicated due to geography. A salient geopolitical point here is the unhindered spread and development of Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. To me, this is where Israel stepped way over the line of morality and self-defense. They are no longer defenders but are now invaders, conquerors, and perhaps even colonizers. It is no wonder Palestinians are enraged. The physical act of rivals occupying land unjustly has become a humiliating usurpation of sacred rights. Although this would be extremely difficult, the Israeli government needs to pull its people out of the settlements and give all the land back to Palestine. In exchange, Hamas needs to be disowned and disbanded. Palestine should not have a military for 15 years, allowing Israel to manage its security. Jerusalem should be split in half and as a gesture of goodwill, Israel should give up a strip of land to Palestine in order to connect Gaza and the West Bank.