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Why a Palestinian State Is a Security Risk Israel Cannot Afford

(Jerusalem Post) David Ben-Basat - Supporters of a Palestinian state argue that all people have the right to self-determination, and Palestinians are no exception. Many Israelis also once supported this vision, believing that granting Palestinians statehood would remove grievances that fuel violence and create a stable, self-sustaining entity. However, history has shown that each step toward Palestinian independence has led to increased instability. Suicide bombings, bus explosions, and mass killings during the First and Second Intifadas resulted in thousands of deaths on both sides. After Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, it became a base for rocket attacks against Israel and led to the Oct. 7 attacks. If Hamas were to gain control of the West Bank, Israel's key cities, including Tel Aviv, as well as Ben-Gurion Airport, would be within direct rocket range. Supporters of Palestinian statehood often overlook the deep ideological nature of the conflict. The conflict is not just about borders but about ideology and religion. Surveys indicate that most Palestinians do not accept Israel's right to exist, raising doubts about whether a Palestinian state would genuinely seek peace. Islamist groups view all of Israel as Muslim-owned (waqf) land and refuse to accept any compromise. The writer is a former correspondent for IDF Radio and NBC News.
2025-03-04 00:00:00
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