Netanyahu’s victory

IN a Middle East already unstable due to multiple crises, the victory of Benjamin Netanyahu’s rightist Likud party in the Israeli elections bodes ill for chances of a just peace deal for the Palestinians.

Due to the Likud triumph, Mr Netanyahu will most likely be asked to form a government in Tel Aviv. Yet if his past record is anything to go by peace for the Palestinians and stability in the wider region will remain elusive.

In 2014, Mr Netanyahu presided over the Israeli rampage in Gaza, ostensibly carried out in reaction to rocket attacks from the impoverished strip. As per independent figures, over 2,000 people were killed due to Israeli aggression, the majority of them civilians.

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Also, under Mr Netanyahu’s watch the expansion of illegal settlements on Palestinian land has continued unabated; over 350,000 Israelis are said to be living in these controversial communities in the West Bank, while a similarly large number are to be found in occupied parts of Jerusalem.

The Israeli leader has also been clear in his opposition to the two-state solution: while the Palestinian leadership has stated it would work with any Israeli government that supported Palestinian statehood, Benjamin Netanyahu has said this is not a possibility.

Hence the peace process — already in tatters — is likely to stay that way. Mr Netanyahu’s jarring words and actions have managed to alienate many of Israel’s usual supporters in the US and Europe, with the White House terming his election rhetoric as ‘divisive’.

The Likud victory has indeed reflected the mood of the Israeli electorate. However, those world powers that have influence in Tel Aviv must counsel restraint to Benjamin Netanyahu.

By no means should diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear question be torpedoed by Israel. It should also be assured that atrocities such as the Gaza episode are not repeated.

Above all, the world must press Israel to honour the two-state solution that would allow the Palestinians to live in peace and with dignity in their own land.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2015

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Comments (5) Closed

AliShah

Mar 20, 2015 12:18pm

What rights the Palestinians have to live in peace ? It is the right of Israel only and it is so because those world powers which helped its illegal creation still support it and support it unconditionally. Sometimes statements from some EU nations seem to suggest that they want Israel to work for peace etc but all these statements are meant for public consumption only....otherwise there is no way that Israel can ignore the demands.

Recommend 0

Muhammad Ashtar

Mar 20, 2015 01:18pm

I do not support two state solution in Palestine. Two state solution means 22 percent land for Palestinians, true and native denizens of this holy land and 78 percent for migrant colonial Jews . This so called two state solution will always weigh heavy on human conscious. Only just solution is one state solution, with equal rights for all Arabs and Jews alike . According to true spirit of UN general assembly resolution 194 Palestinian refugee should be allowed to return to their native homeland. Certainly these my words may seem a death warrant for apartheid Israel. But what is alternative? Actually no other alternative is possible. Only status quo can prevail until the emergence of new wold order. As soon as America loosens its reign in world affair or its minion UN with its security council vetoes collapses that soon Israel will be heard no more . Politically weaker Arabs under the shackles of family rules are another pillars of support for this unnatural country known as Israel. Rightists like Netanyahu spew hate and fire to achieve election victories as they want to exploit well seated hate in the heart of Israeli populace against Arabs. As we will have more and more such victories more away we will become from our cherished goal of two state solution. Only viable option then is single state with equal rights for all.

Recommend 0

Adil Haider

Mar 20, 2015 02:19pm

A very toothless editorial...hoping against hope that those capitals who have influence with Tel Aviv would do something to restrain Mr Netanyahu and his apartheid regime... Fortunately for the Palestinians though, the tide of being the victims of Israeli aggression is turning as Iran plays a more decisive role in deciding what happens in the Middle East... If Israel doesn't change its ways for the better, not even American influence would be able to save it from being relegated to the textbooks of history.

Recommend 0

Muhammad Ashtar

Mar 20, 2015 03:38pm

I do not support two state solution in Palestine. Two state solution means 22 percent land for Palestinians, true and native denizens of this holy land and 78 percent for migrant colonial Jews . This so called two state solution will always weigh heavy on human conscious. Only just solution is one state solution, with equal rights for all Arabs and Jews alike . According to true spirit of UN general assembly resolution 194, Palestinian refugees should be allowed to return to their native homeland. Certainly these my words may seem a death warrant for apartheid Israel. But what is alternative? Actually no other alternative is possible. Only status quo can prevail until the emergence of new world order. As soon as America loosens its reign in world affair or its minion UN with its security council vetoes collapses that soon Israel will be heard no more . Politically weaker Arabs under the shackles of family rules are another pillars of support for this unnatural country known as Israel. Rightists spew hate and fire to achieve election victories as they want to exploit well seated hate in the heart of Israeli populace against Arabs. As we will have more and more such victories more away we will become from our cherished goal of two state solution. Only viable option then is single state with equal rights for all.

Recommend 0

L.Ahmad

Mar 21, 2015 12:16am

Israelis were not prepared to cache a leader of international standing who has stood up to indescribable pressures to keep Israel safe. Netanyahu is right for Israel, like it or not.

Recommend 0

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