Professor Ziv giving a lecture at Hebrew University
Today professor Guy Ziv gave a lecture to our group at Hebrew University. He summarized a few recurring themes around the Arab-Israeli conflict that we’ve picked up from our guest lectures and during our guided tours. Professor Ziv provided a foundation on the workings of the Israeli parliament and the numerous political parties that it encompasses. We also discussed major historical turning points for the country and shifts it caused within the government. The 1967 war, the first and second intifada, and the transfers of territory between Israel and its neighboring countries are a few of these events that were covered.
The group discussed the importance of US presidents in the peace process. While no president has succeeded in creating a solution to the conflict, the US has played the role of mediator to conversations between Israel and the Palestinians. The US has also been a prominent figure for peace agreements between Israel, Egypt, and Jordan. The US’s political power is seen as an essential aspect if Israel and Palestine were to reach a solution to the conflict.
An interesting part of the lecture was the section on “myths” associated with the conflict. One myth was that Israel has “no partner” on the Palestinian side. The idea of “no partner” means that there isn’t a sound Palestinian government or leadership that Israel can work with. There is the PLO in the West Bank and Hamas, a terrorist organization, in Gaza. Israel and the international community won’t negotiate with Hamas, which leaves Israel without a clear Palestinian leadership or partner. Professor Ziv stated that this is a myth because there are Palestinian leaders Israel can talk to. Abbas is seen as a weak leader by Israel but is still a liable option. Abu Maszen is also a viable option for a Palestinian leader.
Another myth that got the group talking was that it is possible for a “one state solution.” Professor Ziv said that if a 2-state doesn’t happen and 1 state was to exist, then there would be dire consequences and ethnic slaughter would likely arise rather than peace. Essentially, a one state solution would equate to no peace. Students talked about the illegal settlements that are being built by Israeli’s while the country waits for the “right conditions” for a two-state solution. Students felt settlements were in direct opposition to a peace agreement since they claim territory for Israel that might not be given up for a two-state solution. If Israel was serious about peace then the government should seriously consider a freeze on all settlements.
The lecture was a welcome opening for the group to begin discussing and asking questions around the information we received from our guest speakers, site-visits, and informational tours. Having Professor Ziv give a foundation on the Israeli government system in conjunction with history helped me better understand the current state of politics within the country.
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