The Future of Israel
Israel will not return to the indefensible boundaries of 1967.”
In a speech to Congress on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clearly stated Israel's position on the idea of Palestinian statehood and the prospect of returning to the pre-1967 borders. In a move that was largely expected, Netanyahu denounced Obama's idea of returning to the pre-Six Day War boundaries, drawing support from Americans, Israelis, conservatives, and liberals. While it is apparent that no change concerning the Israel/Palestine statehood issue will occur anytime soon, one must begin to wonder if, and what, the future of the region will look like. The only certainty at this point is that nothing is certain; there are just as many people supporting Israel as there are ones who believe that America should immediately sever ties with its Middle Eastern ally. What should happen? Better yet, what will happen?
Immediately, people can understand what won't happen. That is Israel conceding to the pre-1967 borders, essentially giving up the Golan Heights as well as military control of Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank. As stated in an earlier post, giving up the Golan is like America giving up California; not only do the mountains form a protective barrier against constant (and in turmoil) enemy Syria, but they are home to thousands of Israelis, provide revenue from tourism, and, in such a small state, make up a considerable proportion of Israel's land. Any land loss is significant, and the Golan heights might be unmatched in their value to the state.
Furthermore, Israel cannot, at least at this time, give up military control of Gaza and the West Bank. While this is a future goal, Israel simply cannot trust the Palestinians to not immediately set up rocket outposts used to attack Israel. Let's suppose Mexico underwent a "Mexican Spring" (no offense to the Mexican government, they are coping with problems that Obama cannot even face in his dreams) and developed into a hostile power. America would naturally feel the need to "oversee" the stability of Mexico through military force. Now say Mexicans in Tijuana fired rockets into San Diego every day, even with US troops present. And say that the Mexicans, rather than demanding statehood, wanted to wipe the US off the map, taking the land for Mexico. What would happen if US troops left? More rockets would be fired! And, now the Mexicans would be free to regroup and possibly plan an attack. Should Israel give up its military presence in Palestinian areas, militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah will have more opportunities than ever to attack Israel. They will not stop with the creation of a two state zone because their ultimate goal is to wipe Israel off the map, to push the Jews into the ocean. Therefore, Israel cannot afford to return to the 1967 borders; it is simply suicide.
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