Israel and Palestine: An Israeli Perspective with Benny Morris
May 29, 2021
auto_awesome
Historian Benny Morris provides an Israeli perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict, discussing the nature of Zionism, the challenges of finding a solution, and the demographics of the conflict. They explore the importance of history and the legitimacy of Israel, as well as the intractable nature of the situation. The podcast also briefly mentions other history and paranormal podcasts and promotes Mint Mobile and the podcast app.
Israel's legitimacy is derived from various factors, including the presence of Jews, historical claims, and international recognition.
The issue of Palestinian refugees and their right to return complicates peace efforts and hinders progress towards a two-state solution.
Deep dives
The Importance of History in the Creation of Israel
Israel derives its legitimacy from a combination of factors, including the presence of seven million Jews living in the country, historical and biblical claims to the land, and international recognition, such as the Balfour Declaration and the UN resolution in 1947.
The War and Division of Palestine
The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 was followed by a war with the Arab states and the displacement of around 700,000 Palestinians. The reasons for their displacement remain disputed, with some attributing it to expulsion by Israeli forces and others claiming it was due to calls by Arab leaders. The issue of Palestinian refugees and their right to return continues to complicate peace efforts.
Challenges to Peace and the Future
Efforts for a two-state solution have faced difficulties due to settlements, increasing right-wing dominance in Israeli politics, Arab rejectionism, and demographic concerns. The lack of agreement on issues like the right of return and territorial divisions has hindered progress. The future seems uncertain, with the possibility of continued violence, settlement expansion, and the potential for Israel becoming an apartheid state with unequal rights for Palestinians.
The conflict between Israeli's and Palestinians is one that inflames strong emotions and opinions on all sides, but can a solution be found or is it an intractable one? In this episode of our series examing the Israel-Palestine struggle from different points of view, Dan is joined by historian Benny Morris for an Israeli perspective on the conflict that has wracked the region since the foundation of the Jewish state, the nature of Zionism, the demographics of the conflict and the many challenges to finding a solution to the conflict.