French President Emmanuel Macron will lead an international conference in New York today. To recognize Palestine as an independent stateMacron’s conference will result in a month -long campaign protested by the Trump administration.
The state of administration reflects traditional thinking in Washington, and among my fellow leaders of the American Jewish community. The argument is that the Palestinian state should only come as a result of direct negotiations. But this argument is on obstacles with the current reality. The devastating violence of October 7, 2023, after the destruction of Gaza, and the human crisis we see today has created an immediate need for a new approach.
Within Israel, and for many Americans who are in regular contact with Israelis, this is a terrible moment for Palestinian state. Israel is shocked. They are mourning the loved ones, living with a distant daily rocket fire as Yemen and living uncertain about what can bring tomorrow. The state of Palestinian state is seen as an unacceptable risk.
The American recognition of the Palestinian state, however, may reverse three destructive dynamics that contribute to the current crisis. Recognition can pull out the rug under extremist movements – including Hamas – which increased because the peace process stuttered. It can reset unsuccessful power structures that vandalize the previous peace talks, and it can shatter confusion, rapidly prevalent in the people of Israel, that more settlements and Palestinians are a viable pathway.
Hamas thrives on disappointment. In contrast, the recognition of a Palestinian state strengthens medium Palestinian leaders who reject violence and pursue diplomacy. By recognizing the Palestinian state, the US may hope that a two-state solution can be hoped.
Asha is a powerful force. I was an IDF soldier in the mid -1990s. At that time, most Palestinians believed that Oslo accordes Will lead to national liberation as a Palestinian state. In that context, Hamas was a marginal player. Just as the peace process of the 1990s was a threat to Hamas, the international recognition of the Palestinian state can also marginalize it today. The point point is that the state ignores this reality to reward terror.
Beyond weakening Hamas, recognition will also fix the dynamics of future interactions. For 30 years, the foundation of the peace process included a deep imbalance: Israel is a sovereign state, while Palestinians are considered as petitioners for the right to self -determination. The disparity supported the logic of the endless “interim” measures, which ended to eliminate the occupation rather than resolving it. This is the time to level diplomatic playground and create conditions for effective talks.
Finally, the recognition of a Palestinian state can send an important message to the people of Israel that the settlement of permanent domination of the West Bank and Gaza is a dangerous imagination, not a permanent policy. A clear American statement to this effect is especially especially especially in the light of rhetoric and current Israeli government’s actions, including ministers. So extreme that he was considered untouchable. In the light of insecurity that feels Israelis, they are more receptive to the “correct” arguments raised by these leaders.
American recognition will interact with the people of Israel that the global community will not accept the endless subjugation of the Palestinian people. This type of clarity is necessary if Israel is to believe with options in front of them: co -existence, or evergreen struggle through two states that reduces the democratic and Jewish future of Israel – as well as its own safety.
At this moment, with the conversation of ceasefire, IDF is struggling to call the reserveAnd the toll of death in Gaza growing, it is time to reconsider our old beliefs and take advantage of the opportunity that lies in Palestine’s American belief. Macron already has. Some are in Congress already there Very. This week, rape. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) Leading a letter Calling America to recognize PalestineLast Thursday, Sen Jeff Markle (D-Ore). First Senate resolution introduced Calling for recognition also.
The Trump administration needs to be caught. Further delays will come at the cost of life, stability and hope.
Hyder Suskind is the president and CEO of the New Jewish story, a national Jewish organization that believes that peace and justice are the birthright of Israelis, Palestinians and all people.
