By Matt Underwood Reflecting on recent global events, my mind can’t escape the troubled relationship between Israel and Palestine. This manifestation of conflicts, discrimination, and repression has become the new normal in this region. As an American citizen observing from afar, I’m often naively hopeful for signs of the cessation of these conflicts. And recently, these hopes were further raised by the statement made by Senator Bernie Sanders: “If Netanyahu says no to a Palestinian state, the US must say no to Netanyahu.” This proclamation certainly spurred a fermentation of thoughts in my mind which I’ll share in the rawest form.
I confess that I am not an ardent admirer of Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu, the incumbent permanent representative of Israel. His continuity in power, despite several controversies, somewhat mirrors the Trump era for me. Both leaders exhibit the similar traits of manipulating money and faith to avert tangible change. Not to forget, both leaders seem to resist any force that could drive their countries in desired international directions.
President Eisenhower’s firm stance during the Suez Crisis was one such instance when American leadership successfully employed ‘force.’ His threat to withdraw financial aid from Israel brought overwhelming power dynamics at play. Yet, the pragmatic prerequisite here is not to completely obliterate Netanyahu and his party, but to stimulate a comprehensive ideological change within the Israeli political order.
For me, Netanyahu merely epitomizes the stark realities of a predominantly ‘far-right’ Israeli state. A systemic demolition of Netanyahu will merely make way for another leader laced with equivocal sentiments of genocidal apathy for Palestinians. However, if Netanyahu were to dismiss the idea of a Palestinian state, I echo Sanders’ sentiment that U.S. support for him, and his administration, should be unequivocally severed.
The ‘two-state solution,’ once a beacon of hope, has grown dim in recent times. The Likud party’s continual denial for a Palestinian state is nothing new, yet Netanyahu’s persistent rejection of the USA’s ‘demands’ is disconcerting. If Netanyahu squashes the proposition of a Palestinian state, then it becomes absolutely necessary that the U.S. re-evaluate its stand. Further, in an evolving world where countries are gradually less dependent on the States, the U.S. needs to anticipate more rebuffs.
The two-state solution has been championed as a panacea, but as I see it, the creation of two states will merely re-label the conflict as a war between two sovereign nations, rather than an internal Israeli affair. This perpetual deadlock makes the situation even more lamentable. Considering these complex scenarios, one can’t help but wonder about Sanders’ Jewish descent and whether criticisms against Israeli policies make him, or any other critic, anti-semitic.
Turning to my own country’s political landscape, I find myself more inclined towards progressive leaders like Sanders and AOC. They seem to genuinely care for people, whereas their Republican counterparts mostly appear more concerned with specific interests rather than the broader welfare of the society.
Election times put every presidential candidate in a cleft stick. Biden, for instance, faces a catch-22 with the Israel lobby on one hand, and the progressives, Muslims, and Arab Americans on the other. If he stands up to Netanyahu, he risks the ire of powerful lobbies, but if he bows down to him, he loses the support of a substantial voter base. Either way, Netanyahu, a proclaimed Trump ally, appears to relish this distasteful dynamic.
As an American, it distresses me to see my tax dollars being used to massacre innocent Palestinians, especially children. Like numerous others, I call for an immediate cessation of military funding to Israel. It’s disheartening to witness the vulnerability of a populace emerging from the ashes of war, traumatized and ripe for more radical influences.
In Israel, much of the disdain needs to be directed towards Netanyahu, a far-right politician akin to Trump and Bolsonaro with a tinge of Putin. Choosing between Biden and Trump, I’m certain Netanyahu would prefer the latter. But does that oblige us all to embrace far-right Netanyahu without any reservations?
Suffice to say, Israel’s best chance for peace is not with Netanyahu, but with a moderate leader who aspires for sincere coexistence rather than perpetual warfare. However, this is easier said than done. Perhaps as Sanders suggested, a direct “no” to Netanyahu could provide a starting point towards pressurizing Israel into peace negotiations. Achieving any substantial progress though, requires the United States, and the world at large, to make difficult, principle-based decisions.
Taking a stand is not simple, and often leads to hostility and labels. But if standing up for an oppressed population, pushing for an equitable solution, and demanding accountability from oppressive regimes make one an ‘antisemitic,’ then so be it. This is not about religion, race, or partisanship; this is about humanity. Bernie’s sentiment, if embraced, has the potential to catalyze the paradigm shift needed for peace, and perhaps, this time, we ought to demand better and say “no” to Netanyahu.