The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: Natan Sachs on Israeli Anti-solutionism
Jun 28, 2025
Natan Sachs, a Fellow in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution, delves into the concept of anti-solutionism in Israeli politics. He argues that the Israeli Right's lack of long-term strategies stems from a belief in the absence of viable solutions to the Palestinian conflict. Sachs discusses how this 'strategic conservatism' might protect Israel but can also hinder peace prospects. He emphasizes the need for U.S. policymakers to understand this mindset to navigate the complexities of Middle Eastern politics effectively.
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Diverse Views on Israeli Right's Strategy
- The Israeli right holds a wide range of views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from limited two-state support to outright rejection of a Palestinian state.
- Some propose solutions like permanent autonomy without citizenship or a one-state model prioritizing either democracy or Jewish identity.
Netanyahu's Anti-Solutionism Explained
- Netanyahu exemplifies anti-solutionism, favoring conflict management and sustaining the status quo over seeking a long-term resolution.
- This approach reflects a belief that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has no foreseeable solution and attempting to solve it risks greater havoc.
Why Status Quo Is Unsustainable
- The status quo is mistaken as an indefinite solution because settlement growth limits future options and time is working against Israelis and Palestinians.
- The leadership disarray among Palestinians and increasing international isolation of Israel intensify risks to sustaining the status quo.