who will we become – Israelis and Palestinians – When will this long and cruel war end? Not only do the memories of the atrocities inflicted on each other stand between us for many years, but it is also clear to all of us that Hamas, as soon as it has the chance, will continue to pursue its goals enshrined in its original charter. Will do it promptly. That is, the religious obligation to destroy Israel.
So how can we conclude a peace treaty with such an enemy?
Still, what options do we have?
Palestinians will do the math for themselves. As Israelis, I ask: What kind of people will we be when the war ends? Where should we direct the guilt we have inflicted on innocent Palestinians, if we are brave enough to feel it? For the thousands of children we have killed. For the families we destroyed.
And how do we learn to live a fulfilling life on a knife’s edge so as not to be surprised again? But how many of us want to live our lives and raise our children on this knife edge? And what price will we pay for living in constant fear, in constant vigilance and doubt? Who among us would decide that we don’t want or can’t live the life of an eternal soldier, a Spartan?
Who will remain here in Israel, and will those who remain be the most extreme, most fanatical, religious, nationalistic, racist? Are we doomed to watch paralyzed as our bold, creative, unique Israeliness is gradually absorbed into the tragic wound of Judaism?
These questions will haunt Israel for years. But radically different realities may rise to combat them. Perhaps the realization that this war cannot be won, let alone maintain the occupation indefinitely, will force both sides to accept a two-state solution. This solution, despite its shortcomings and risks (first and foremost, democratic elections in Palestine, which Hamas would take over), is still the only one that is possible? ?