General Discussion

We agree on a very important thing, detesting Likud. I do fear though that Labour is not what it used to be either. I would support Peace Now probably, if I were Israeli.

I understand where the fear of Hamas comes from, especially after Oct. 7th. And I am NOT a Hamas supporter, I could never be that. Just the repression of LBGTQ and women, their theocracy and violence etc - NEVER. I was horrified they were elected - worst thing for Palestinians and that came true.

But they were willing to negotiate - land for peace- and were thwarted and ignored at every turn. They declared in 2017 that they would be able to get a national concensus for a state along 1967 borders. Yes, I know it was for a term-limit - 10 years, or a hundred? They toned down or eliminated the anti-Jewish verbiage of their original charter. They tried to make it clear that their fight was not with the Jewish people but the state of Israel and Zionism. No, unlike the PA and Arafat, they never gave up on the right of return so their fate was sealed in a way. But just like Arafat eventually recognized its hopelessness - though he was kind of conned into that huge concession, from which he never recovered - eventually Hamas might have too. They are more pragmatic and realist than given credit for. In any case, they just might have been voted out.

Would I want Hamas for a neighbour? No. But if it comes down to a choice between giving them a chance or waging a perpetual war and occupation? I come down on the side of peace. But again, I don't live in Israel and I can't fully appreciate what Oct. 7th did to the Israeli psyche. I fear, though, that it has made that society even more closed and willing to accept violence and occupation - now ethnic cleansing! - as viable solutions.

I will respond to your question - a very good one, though it requires some time on my part to put it together as I like to do justice to it - later when I have more time.