Day: June 8, 2013
Why Israel needs a Palestinian state
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, speaking at the McCain Institute Wednesday, tried to remain diplomatic about his opinions versus the policies of the current Israeli government. It was obvious however, that he held divergent views on the future of Israel.
Olmert’s opposition to the occupation of the Palestinian Territories is the basis of his label as “centrist” or “leftist” in Israeli politics. This surprised Olmert, who considered himself right wing at the beginning of his career. He fears that occupation of Palestinian territories has become the issue that determines left-wing or right-wing. This is one sign of increased polarization within Israeli politics. “I disagree with the occupation of the territories,” Olmert explained, “but I am not a socialist.”
The rest of the discussion was centered on leadership. Olmert explained how his belief regarding the territories came from his ten years as mayor of Jerusalem, when he built 100 Arab schools. But that did nothing to build sustainable peace. The Palestinians want their own state. The face of Israel must change if it is to remain both Jewish and democratic. Morbidly, Olmert explained that to save the life of a person, sometimes you have to cut off a part of the body. To save the Jewish and democratic character of Israel, it must cut off the Palestinian territories. Giving up the dream of greater Israel is heartbreaking. But stubbornly holding onto to that dream is a prescription for endless confrontation. Read more
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