A Two-State Solution is NOT the solution (So what is?) #palestine #israel

Summary

The script argues that a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine is unrealistic. It claims the core issue is not land or occupation, but rather the Palestinian goal since early on has been to eliminate Israel. It points to the lack of democracy and human rights in Muslim-majority countries as evidence that compromise and peaceful coexistence are not valued. The script urges listeners to understand the problem fully, claiming past negotiations have failed because Palestinians reject compromise, not because of settlements. It concludes that real change can only happen when Palestinians adopt democratic values, stop infighting, recognize Israel, and give up the goal of destroying Israel.

Takeaways

• 😕 The speaker does not actually support the two-state solution he says others do
• 😢 The speaker believes the core problem is that Palestinians want to eliminate Israel, not just regain land
• 🤔 The speaker sees little evidence of democratic values or human rights in Muslim countries
• 😠 The speaker believes surrounding Muslim countries would destroy Israel if they could
• 😤 The speaker sees Palestinian violence against Israel as serious, not just rhetoric
• 🧐 The speaker argues Palestinians have rejected two-state solutions repeatedly over history
• 😌 The speaker sees Israeli society as politically diverse and non-violent unlike neighbors
• 🙁 The speaker does not see a solution anytime soon given attitudes on the Arab side
• 🤨 The speaker challenges viewers to prove him wrong with factual historical examples
• 😃 The speaker welcomes disagreement if substantiated thoughtfully

Q & A

What is the main point of view of the Palestinians and the Muslim world regarding Israel?

The main point of view is that Israel should be eliminated. This view has existed before the establishment of Israel in 1948 and before there were any settlements in the West Bank and Gaza.

According to the speaker, what is the core problem preventing peace between Israelis and Palestinians?

The core problem is that the Palestinian leadership, from the beginning, has sought to eliminate the Jewish state, not live beside it. They have rejected numerous opportunities to establish their own state.

What does the speaker say is the difference between Israeli and Palestinian/Arab societies when it comes to values like democracy and human rights?

The speaker says that while Israeli society is highly diverse and democratic despite challenges, you do not see democracy, human rights, or thriving minorities in most Muslim/Arab countries, including Palestinian territories.

Why does the speaker frequently reference Syria?

To highlight the hypocrisy of pro-Palestinians who protest Israel but not the atrocities committed by Arab regimes. Also to illustrate what such regimes/societies are capable of doing.

What evidence does the speaker provide that a unique Palestinian identity or people did not exist in history?

He quotes Zuheir Mohsen, a leader of the PLO, who said in 1977 that a separate Palestinian identity exists only for tactical political reasons to oppose Zionism, and there are no differences between Arabs across the region.

What were the Mandates established after World War I regarding the former Ottoman territories?

The defeated Ottoman territories were divided between Britain and France to administer as Mandates under supervision of the League of Nations, including establishing a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Why does the speaker say the land belongs to the Jews according to international law?

Because the 1920 San Remo conference and subsequent League of Nations mandates supported establishing a homeland for the Jews in Palestine, which was later reaffirmed internationally.

What evidence does the speaker provide that Arabs were not willing to compromise on partition?

He notes the Arabs rejected partition plans in 1937 and 1947 before Israel's establishment and 1948-1967 when they could have had a state. They maintained the view Israel should be eliminated.

What does the speaker say is the main obstacle to a peaceful solution?

The Arab side does not truly accept compromise or Israel's legitimacy, and the violence and eliminationist rhetoric over decades makes negotiations fruitless until their views fundamentally change.

When does the speaker say the conflict might be resolved?

When the Arabs are ready to recognize Israel, become democratic societies, stop killing each other, and prove they accept Israel's legitimacy. So likely not anytime soon.