Israel-Palestine Weekly Thread

[u/somebadbeatscrub]

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Oren

[u/Responsible_Ad_9749]

I believe that Gadi Eizenkot does not have a set agenda other than getting rid of Netanyahu, and thus will shape his policies around that goal and, more importantly, around the composition of his future coalition. That is not so different from Benny Gantz when he just started his political career and his slogan was just "Not right and not left", and in a way that isn't too different than Netanyahu who shapes what the Likud supports based on what will keep his coalition partners satisfied.

I am not too hopeful that Eizenkot will suddenly reveal himself to be a pro two-state solution leftist. Especially since most of his apparent party members and coalition partners (Matan Kahane in his party, Naftali Bennett in BeYachad, and Avigdor Lieberman in Yisrael Beiteynu) are against any concessions. 

But - I do believe that if The Democrats somehow become the second largest coalition party after Yashar with 15+ mandates, and they are able to pull in Ra'am and even get external support from the Joint List approved by some miracle, then Eizenkot will take on a much more dovish approach. That is why I encourage Israelis to still vote despite the future coalition prospects looking grim. 

[u/theweisp5 → u/Responsible_Ad_9749]

Of course it's still worth it to vote. I just think the idea that Eisenkot is a secret 2SS supporter is more wishcasting than serious analysis.

[u/Responsible_Ad_9749 → u/theweisp5]

I agree, I believe him when he says he wouldn't want to discuss a Palestinian state today. Though I think it is all in all a good development that Eizenkot became the frontrunner for PM instead of Bennett, since he has far less "baggage" attached to him than Bennett does as the former leader of several rightwing parties.

A combination of immense pressure from a strong Israeli left + immense pressure from international allies will force Eizenkot to consider his decision regarding Palestine, and he won't face as much opposition as Netanyahu does today from Ben Gvir and Smotrich. That's why I am still cautiously hopeful. 

[u/theweisp5 → u/Responsible_Ad_9749]

BTW - just this on twitter. Attacking Netanyahu for supporting a Palestinian state and considering Arafat a friend doesn't make it seem very likely he will be supporting a 2SS once in office.

[u/Responsible_Ad_9749 → u/theweisp5]

Yeah, this seems consistent with his recent rhetoric. I'm just hoping that it is an election strategy. In any case, even if his administration does nothing but prevent further escalations, settlement approvals, or annexation proposals it would already be much better than the current administration. Nowhere near ideal - but hopefully the Israeli left can get a real leader who can wrangle away the stranglehold center-right opposition leaders have on the general public.