Now that Hamas is launching unprecedented attacks, with funding from unknown sources, it is clear that the “two-state solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is no longer feasible. Despite the hopes and beliefs of millions, the conflict was never genuinely about peace. Just look at former Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) leader Yasser Arafat, who shook hands with President Bill Clinton during the Oslo Accords. Arafat’s motivations likely had more to do with maintaining the lavish lifestyle of his wife and protecting his own life, rather than pursuing genuine peace. He likely feared the fate of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated after making peace with Israel.
Arafat, who has been accused of orchestrating the Munich Olympic killings, could have predicted the current situation. Even after Israel returned Gaza to the Palestinians and the PLO was dismantled by Hamas, the terrorist organization took control and is now waging an unprecedented war. Chants like “Hamas, Hamas, Jews to the gas!” and “From the desert to the sea, Palestine will be free!” clearly demonstrate that Hamas is not interested in a two-state solution.
Hamas has invaded another country and taken hostages, fully aware of the lengths to which Israel will go to bring its citizens back. Dozens of Israeli captives, including women and children, are believed to be held in the Gaza Strip. Rockets are landing in Tel Aviv. Who is to blame? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Mossad are being criticized for not anticipating this disaster, which has already claimed over 200 Israeli lives and left 1,000 injured. These numbers will likely continue to rise, just as the casualties on the Palestinian side will increase due to Hamas’s use of missile installations in hospitals and schools.
Israel has been preoccupied with internal political disputes, particularly regarding its judicial system, which may have diverted its attention from potential threats. However, it is evident that Iran, Israel’s greatest enemy and Hamas’s main financial backer, is behind this escalation. It is no coincidence that less than a month ago, the Biden administration agreed to give Tehran access to $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds.
The Biden administration initially called for “restraint on both sides” after Hamas initiated its actions, but quickly changed its stance to support Israel’s right to self-defense. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has criticized Israel for allegedly provoking the attacks, leading to speculation that this war was instigated to disrupt the rumored Israeli-Saudi rapprochement. The question now is, what comes next?
Many in Israel are calling for an end to Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Iranian regime once and for all. During the Obama administration, President Barack Obama reportedly prevented Netanyahu from attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities. Since then, Iran’s support for extremist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, who are heavily armed and pose a significant threat to Israel, has only grown. If Hezbollah, under orders from Iran, decides to act alongside Hamas, the conflict will escalate dramatically, potentially drawing the entire world into the conflagration. In such a scenario, it remains to be seen how Israel will be perceived by the international community.
As the ongoing conflict unfolds, it is important to remember the words of Eric Hoffer, a legendary anti-communist who once observed, “The Jews are a peculiar people: Things permitted to other nations are forbidden to the Jews.” He pointed out the double standards and expectations placed upon Israel, where displaced Arabs have become eternal refugees. While other nations can drive out millions of people without facing criticism, Israel is constantly pressured to take back every Arab. This unfair treatment continues to persist, with Israel often portrayed as the villain at the United Nations.