On June 14,a fragile ceasefire emerged between United States and Iran, marking a possible shift in a conflict that has taken thousands of lives over past 100 days. The deal aims to reopen Strait of Hormuz, halt bombings in Lebanon,and most critically,end violence escalating regional tensions.
To grasp this war's roots,one must acknowledge "Greater Israel" concept. This idea stretches beyond Israel's borders,envisioning a territory covering all of historic Palestine and parts of neighbors. Advocates,including Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, claim Israel must control this land for safety,ignoring rights of millions of Palestinians.
Two main sources fuel "Greater Israel" ideology. Secular hardliners like Netanyahu back territorial expansion for security. Meanwhile,Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir push a more extreme view,claiming land is divinely promised to Jews alone . Smotrich even denies Palestinians' existence,saying,“We won’t commit suicide to make them happy.”
This doctrine,a mix of paranoia and zeal,has shaped Israeli foreign policy for decades. Instead of being challenged,it thrived,largely due to American support. Jewish Zionists and Christian Zionists both played roles in sustaining this delusion,prioritizing ideology over Palestinians' realities.
Recent conflict with Iran shows dangers of this mindset. Initially,the plan was to quickly topple Iran's government . But reality proved devastating. Military actions led to heavy casualties and global oil crisis,like past regional failures in Syria.
Ex-President Donald Trump faced backlash for aligning with "Greater Israel" agenda. This new deal with Iran might help him distance from an unwinnable war. Yet Israeli leaders resist this peace move,seeing it as a threat to their "Greater Israel" vision. Despite ceasefire,Israel continued military actions in Lebanon,resulting in more casualties.
Truth is harsh: chase for "Greater Israel" harms Israel's survival. Public opinion shifted,with many Americans now viewing Israel unfavorably. A state alienating itself from international community and main ally risks its own existence.
To achieve lasting peace,focus must move away from expansionist "Greater Israel" dreams. Ending hostilities with Iran,stopping Gaza violence,recognizing Palestinian statehood are crucial steps. Establishing a Palestinian state next to Israel,based on 1967 borders,could offer security and stability .
Recent ceasefire with Iran shows peace can come through diplomacy,not force. U.S. choice to prioritize peace over "Greater Israel" ambitions is a hopeful sign . The future of Israel and Palestine hinges on willingness to abandon this destructive ideology. Arab world and Iran must keep pushing for U.S. policy shift,stressing that leaving "Greater Israel" behind is only viable path to enduring peace…
