Do we genuinely recognize the reality that approximately 7 million Palestinians and 7 million Israeli Jews inhabit the region and have no desire to relocate? It is crucial to highlight the significant contributions of the few Palestinian and Israeli activists who are actively involved in pioneering peace initiatives (refer to resources). While this perspective should be inherently rational, it raises doubts about the rationality of narrow-minded governments.

While the world’s superpower, the United States, should actively promote peace and conflict resolution, instead, the current administration has brought the US to its weakest point in modern history, leaving the impression that it is a puppet of the Netanyahu-led Israeli extremist regime. This tarnishes the global perception of both Israel and the US and further intensifies and fuels a dangerous pattern of societal polarization, leading to:

1. Escalation of Violence: Societal polarization fuels a vicious cycle of violence, resulting in more casualties.

2. Impediment to Peaceful Negotiations: with polarization, finding common ground and engaging in meaningful dialogue about peace becomes increasingly challenging.

3. Erosion of Trust and Cooperation: Societal polarization undermines trust and cooperation among communities, fueling a cycle of fear, suspicion, and animosity. In the US, this polarization causes harm as individuals become increasingly divided, leading to the abuse of power to harm those holding opposing views. Disturbingly, there have been instances of people facing termination simply for expressing their opinions and thoughts.

4. International Diplomatic Isolation: It is worth considering instances such as the US utilizing its veto power to block ceasefires against the wishes of the majority of the international community.

The current Israeli/US regimes lack the genuine willingness to take the necessary actions and I anticipate that the situation may worsen before it improves. However, I remain steadfast in my conviction that a peaceful resolution is attainable through:

1. Immediate Ceasefire: This is the first step towards de-escalation.

2. Politics over Force: Israel/US must recognize that a political and diplomatic approach is key to achieving a sustainable solution.

3. International Mediation: The international community should actively facilitate mediation efforts to bring both parties to the negotiating table. The US should not practice veto power.

4. Addressing Root Causes: this includes issues of land, settlements, refugees, and the status of Jerusalem.

5. Humanitarian Assistance: this should be prioritized to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians.

6. International Accountability: Israel, US and Palestine must be held accountable for any war crimes or human rights violations committed. The International Criminal Court (ICC) should be fully empowered.

This is wishful thinking but can be achieved if a critical mass of humans prioritize justice, peace and coexistence over greed and imperialistic agenda.

Resources:

Daniel Levy: A Former Israeli negotiator’s perspective on the war in Gaza

https://youtu.be/rLi2tXUR48M?si=27DwXZt7pXtP1eDs

I’m thrilled to see this peace initiative:

https://www.alandforall.org/english/?d=ltr

Another wake up call for everyone. Let us reflect: if all nations lose, who would be a winner?

The consequences of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict are complex and multifaceted. On the top of the consequences are isolation of the US, strategic defeat for Israel, and catastrophe for Palestine. Let’s break this down in part 1 and offer a suggestion/resources in part 2 on where each of us can focus energy to change the situation.

US Isolation:

This consequence holds significant weight and has been extensively discussed by US political scientists, retired veterans, and activists through numerous articles/lectures. The trajectory of US decline has become increasingly evident, particularly with the current administration’s unwavering support for Netanyahu’s policies. As the international community increasingly criticizes the US for its perceived biased stance, it fosters a perception of the US as uncooperative and unresponsive to global concerns. The isolation of the US can have far-reaching impacts on its relationships with other countries. It strains diplomatic ties, erodes trust, and curtails the US’s influence and ability to shape international affairs. Moreover, this isolation creates opportunities for other nations to step in and fill the void left by the US, potentially diminishing its ability to rally support or garner consensus on crucial issues. As a result, the US may find it challenging to effectively advocate for its interests on the global stage.

Strategic Defeat for Israel:

The unprecedented violence and massacres perpetrated by Israel have profound geopolitical, military, and diplomatic repercussions. Following the October 7 events, an increasing number of individuals are immersing themselves in the conflict, only to discover that Israel is an oppressor and an apartheid regime that disregards human rights. Consequently, the majority of nations now view Israel as a bully, resulting in a severely tarnished and distorted image of the country in the eyes of the global populace.

As a consequence, Israel faces diplomatic isolation, finding itself marginalized or excluded from regional and international forums and normalization. Moreover, in terms of security threats, a strategic defeat for Israel could entail heightened tensions with neighboring countries, the rise of asymmetric warfare, or the emergence of new security challenges that necessitate significant resources

If the US were to take corrective measures such as halting weapons sales and withdrawing support, Israel might potentially be compelled to adopt more moderate policies and behaviors. As noted by Daniel Levy, impunity fuels extremism within Israel. However, regardless of the outcome, it is likely that we will witness further internal divisions and erosion of national unity in Israel, which had already commenced before the events of October 7.

✴️ Catastrophe (Nakba) for Palestine – Zionists’ dream:

The situation in Palestine could escalate further to force people to leave their land. Another Nakba is at play, which in my opinion is Zionists’ intention from day one.

From Zionists’ perspective, there maybe no better time to crush Palestinians than now. Here is why:

1. You have the most right wing government and largest base of extremism

2. You have a reason to use in front of public opinion (October 7 attacks) and if someone speaks up let’s use antisemitism to shut them up

3. You have unprecedented support from the weapons provider (the US)

4. You have a leverage over western countries (US included) through political lobbies and financial elites.

5. You have the most oppressive dictators in neighboring countries and their populations cannot even protest

6. Internationally, you have a Veto by your side

7. Most importantly, the future is not on your side: your evangelical support base in the US is declining, all surveys of people 36 years old and under are opposed to your actions, significant numbers of Jews in the US are protesting against you and Jewish youth are exposing your inhumanity. The more you wait the worse.

So, I have no doubt that Zionists will seize the opportunity now and exert their utmost effort.

On the other hand, no one else would accept the forced removal of Palestinians from their land, so we are about to watch a regional war that would also drag the US and UK at least. I have no doubt that countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia will become more involved, similar to what we have seen from Yemen and Lebanon.

✴️ Beneficiaries from the Conflict:

Various industries, entities, and ideologies directly and indirectly profit from the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In terms of ideology, Zionism takes a prominent position, particularly among the far-right extremists in Israel who seek to expand their control over the entire region.

The military-industrial complex also benefits significantly from the conflict. Security and defense companies, media organizations, as well as construction and reconstruction companies, find increased opportunities and financial gains in times of war and heightened tensions. This shall be further investigated in other posts.

Furthermore, politicians who prioritize their own re-election often become beholden to the individuals and organizations funding their campaigns. This reliance can create a dynamic where these politicians become subservient to the interests of those financing them. The influence and brag of AIPAC is a clear shameful example here.

Resources:

Prof. Sachs: Is the US the essential nation?

http://tinyurl.com/573v3jma

Prof. Sachs: UN Security Council’s ceasefire call and US isolation

http://tinyurl.com/55s9ce7h

Col. Macgregor: How Israel is isolating the US

http://tinyurl.com/3afusu2a

Israel’s Gaza strategy is shortsighted

http://tinyurl.com/ytsab78h

✴️ Prioritization of effort:

Here are my thoughts depending where you are:

🗣️ A. Israel: the situation in Israel appears very challenging as the far-right holds significant control. There are minorities of individuals, organizations and journalists advocating for human rights, but they are against a tsunami of a controlling extremists party. How can you simply counter a society that is under bombardment of media propaganda and brainwashing or the deep-rooted indoctrination and hate that permeate the actions of IDF soldiers towards children, women, and the elderly?!

However, we should all applaud this effort and it means a lot to a peaceful future for people from inside of the apartheid state to enlighten their fellow citizens. I hope many Israelis follow this path and enlighten others.

To appreciate how difficult of a task Israeli intellectuals like Ilan Pappe, Gideon Levy, and others have, check their own writings. Levy himself puts his hope for a change in the United States (see older posts).

🗣️ B. Palestinians and citizens of the world: It would be unfair to expect the oppressed Palestinians to bring about significant changes on their own, as they are in a position of weakness and vulnerability. All what I see from Palestinians is resilience and resistance to the occupation. This is what any rational person would expect.

But the Palestinians suffering should be perceived by people all over the world as an inspiration. I used to be surprised when I see the huge diversity of people participating in protests and other causes promoting justice for Palestine. However, I realized that this is the story of injustice for all of us. A lot of people have parallel stories of injustice and the cause of Palestine relate to them. Many of them believe that if they failed Palestine cause, they will be the next victim in the line. Many of them believe that injustice for one nation leads to another. Many of them have direct relation with this cause. For example, Muslims won’t accept the occupation of their first Qibla and the third of Holy sites. Many Jews do not want people to associate Zionism with Judaism and are frustrated with the fact that antisemitism and the holocaust is misused by Israel. People of color can associate memories of the apartheid impact on their lives. And the examples go on and on.

So, depending on where you are, joining the efforts local to you is the best investment.

🗣️ C. USA: In the short term, the United States represents the primary source of hope. It is the most powerful and resourceful countries, yet its administration is enslaved shamefully to Zionists. Therefore, it is worthwhile for US citizens to invest much of their energy in delving deeply to understand why the US administration is willing to risk isolation and engage in immoral actions in support of Israel. What are the underlying origins of this situation, and how has it evolved over time? How can pressure be exerted to realign the US in a more just direction? Understanding the power dynamics at play here is crucial.

But while we do our research, it is important to advocate and lobby to pressure for a ceasefire and the right of Palestinians of self determination. This is the only hope to start any peace negotiations.

I’m thrilled to see everyday an investor, a professional person, an entrepreneur, a people’s leader and many other intellectuals who believe they may have stuff to lose over speaking up and yet they decided to come out of this comfort zone and take the risk and be not complicit to this enslavement.

This particular aspect (C) should be the focus of deeper exploration for the sake of a free strong USA. We should probe around US foreign policy and its influences. “A free Palestine .. a free world”, is not an exaggerated expression.

With that, see below some key resources. Follow these people and you will get a clean and clear picture.

Resources:

Daniel Levy: How Israel’s far right seized control, and their dangerous plan

http://tinyurl.com/57wu9538

Israel is losing the war

http://tinyurl.com/2k7584cd

Gideon Levy: By Trying to Humiliate Gaza to Its Core, Israel Is the One Being Humiliated

http://tinyurl.com/bdzbktmj

Why do evangelicals support Israel?

https://youtu.be/cBGK-suxAMo?si=G7NXJjWmsXzmdQlx

LinkedIn is a space used by intellectuals to talk about smart things. Some intellectuals may have already experienced fatigue from LinkedIn being transformed into a platform where people talk about war, crimes and breaking humanity ethics code. I urge you to give those people – including myself – the benefit of doubt. Perhaps they are trying to wake you up and highlight that those events are very serious and devastating for them to the extent that they are risking their careers talking about it. We trust intellectuals to not trust any propaganda and seek legit references. Part of this war is about information and misinformation.

Before publishing 34 and 35, I would like to pause here and humbly request everyone to read and reflect. You can then choose to be passive or participate by any means possible.

Imagine a child drowning in a shallow pond and challenge your moral obligations. Would feel compelled to save him? How would you perceive whoever passes by seeing the child drowning without taking any action? If you are indeed able to save the child by taking an action, does it matter to you what distance or proximity you have with the child?

You see where I’m going here. It seems like we have a high chance agreeing together that we should feel obligated to assist those suffering from any kind of disaster, regardless of distance or proximity.

In his 1972 paper titled “Famine, Affluence, and Morality”, Prof. Peter Singer – Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University – confronts the issue of passive individuals who fail to take action in the face of global poverty and famine. This can be generalized to any catastrophe that one can take an action towards. Singer argues that such passivity is morally unacceptable, emphasizing the ugly consequences it has on the suffering of those in need.

Singer highlights the stark contrast between the lavish lifestyles enjoyed by individuals in developed nations and the extreme deprivation experienced by those in poor regions. He firmly believes that those who possess the means to alleviate suffering, whether through financial contributions or other forms of aid, have a moral duty to do so. Singer asserts that those actions should be viewed as a mandatory obligation. In times of war, I would also include speaking up, protesting, writing/calling your representatives, promoting facts …etc.

Singer challenges the concept of national boundaries, arguing that governments should prioritize the allocation of resources to assist those in need, even if they are beyond their own borders. He insists that governments have a moral responsibility to address global poverty and famine. Again, you can generalize this to any disaster and also generalize the type of action to all tools available.

Singer’s article serves as a wake-up call, urging individuals, organizations and governments to reject passivity and take immediate action to combat global disasters. Remaining indifferent is morally unacceptable. Active engagement and assistance are essential to bring about meaningful change.

This video (Ordinary People are Evil) also summarizes the paper in a more interesting way.

https://youtu.be/KVl5kMXz1vA?si=4SeqdkSVGbMZVpxR