Israel Palestine and Jordan – 2 states for 2 peoples
Throughout the world the mantra for the solution of the Arab-Jewish conflict in what was mandatory Palestine is “two states for two peoples”…writes Danny Rosing.
To this is then often added “where they both will live side by side in peace and security.”
The first part already exists – there are two states, Israel is the state of the Jews and Jordan of the Palestinian Arabs.
What is the difference between the Palestinians and the Jordanians?
Most of the citizens of Jordan consider themselves Palestinians and all of them have the same language, forefathers, religion, culture and food and owe their primary allegiance to their extended families and tribes, which, in many cases are the same tribes on both sides of the Jordan.
The only difference is that the Jordanians owe their national allegiance to the Hashemite monarchy and the Palestinians to the corrupt, self-serving Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) leadership.
Moshe Arens, formerly Israel Minister of Defence and of Foreign Affairs, aptly wrote in Haaretz 20.2.17:
“What is the Palestinian problem? Are they seeking self-determination, to have a country of their own? Who would deny them that right? But everyone who knows the Middle East knows that the Palestinians already have a country of their own. It is Jordan, more than 70 percent of whose population is Palestinian. If that is not a Palestinian state then what is?”
The present stalemate and the vision of an Israel-Jordan confederation
The world, including Israel’s leadership is ignoring the above facts and attempting to square the circle by repeating continuously failed attempts at a two state solution based on the partition or non partition of the west bank of the Jordan.
It is time to think out of the box and attempt a new approach.
In order to do this and to achieve peace the first thing that is needed is to know what the man in the street, Jew and Arab, want to ultimately achieve.
I believe that the vast majority of both want to live in peace, security and economic prosperity; with dignity and independence from foreign factors. Once the Palestinians accept that Israel is here to stay, the achievement of a true peace is possible.
For this to happen, however, the world powers must make it clear that they will not allow the destruction of Israel and the Palestinians must be shown a light at the end of the tunnel.
This could be, ultimately, an Israel-Jordan (con)federation, if both peoples will want it, after a period of peace and stability and economic development, all with financial support from US, Europe & Gulf States.
In the meantime Jordan and Israel would work out a format for cantonisation of the “west bank”, where ultimately those with a majority Jewish population would become part of Israel and the others of Jordan.
Israel’s commitment & support will ensure Jordan’s survival against both Shia & Islamist fundamentalists; economic growth & other benefits would also follow, including water, industrial and environmental and ecological management.
Will he Palestinians or King Abdullah accept this idea?
Not at first, at least publicly; however, as Bruce Maddy-Weizman of TLV University’s Dayan Center has stated in an article in the Jerusalem Post:
“The monarchy has made sure to cultivate the loyalty of the key sectors that make up the elite, civilian and military and Israel should maintain the close security cooperation and help Amman grapple with the Syrian refugees”.
When the time is ripe, I believe he will gladly do so.
Plan of action
The first step would have to be for some of Israel’s leaders to accept this approach and work toward it by mobilising Netanyahu and opinion makers throughout the world. King Abdullah and President Trump should then be approached, through appropriate channels, introduced to the concept and led to agree to the benefits for Jordan, Israel and the Palestinians.
These benefits are obvious and need not be enumerated here.
Also, as the editor of the Jerusalem Post, Yaacov Katz has written:
The majority “of Jordanian citizens are Palestinians and there are already hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees in Jordan. The economic challenges Abdullah faces, combined with the threats from radical extremists are daunting. He is one of the last American and Israeli allies … in the Middle East. Risking his regime has to be handled delicately”.
In parallel, Israel should seek and encourage Palestinian leaders who are not happy with Fatah, afraid of Hamas and who would happily accept allegiance to Abdullah or would like to have leadership positions in the Israeli Arab population.
The next step would be for a meeting of Trump, Netanyahu, Abdullah and Sisi, then bring in the Sunni states, propose the Jordan-Israel solution and work on possible means to achieve this solution.
To conclude, I need only quote PLO executive committee member Zahir Muhsein who, in a 1977 interview with the Dutch newspaper Trouw, stated:
“The Palestinian people does not exist… In reality today there is no difference between Jordanians, Palestinians, Syrians and Lebanese. Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people, since Arab national interests demand that we posit the existence of a distinct ‘Palestinian people’ to oppose Zionism. “For tactical reasons, Jordan, which is a sovereign state with defined borders, cannot raise claims to Haifa and Jaffa. While as a Palestinian, I can undoubtedly demand Haifa, Jaffa, Beer-Sheva and Jerusalem. However, the moment we reclaim our right to all of Palestine, we will not wait even a minute to unite Palestine and Jordan.”
Conclusion
Europe is stuck on “the two state solution” and the Palestinian street and the village elders want a light at the end of the tunnel, the Sunni states want to see a start to negotiations, Trump wants a deal and Israelis do not want to rule over the Arabs and are sick and tired of the continuous acts of terror.
Now is the time to provide a plan.
The end result of achieving an Israel/Jordan confederation will not happen soon, it would depend on many factors but it can be shown to be a viable path for the solution in the future.
Danny Rosing was Netziv (head of) Betar Australia 1959-60. Graduated from Sydney Boys’ High School in 1953 and from UNSW in 1959, with a degree in electrical engineering (telecommunications). Settled in Israel in 1964.
Consistent with Australian Jewish Association policy which can be viewed on the AJA website.
On the Australian Jewish Association Facebook page you can find a series of interview recently done with leading conservative thinkers and activists in Israel discussing alternatives to the madness of the current “two state solution” mantra.
AJA has already begun leading this dialogue in Australia.
David Adler
AJA President
I thought I was familiar with the Sydney Boys’ High Class of 1953 – but alas, I am unable to place Danny Rosing in that group. Why is my memory failing me with such abandon. I would welcome hearing from Danny.