Unpacking Israeli History Einat Wilf: Palestinian Statehood and Why Peace Failed
14 snips
Oct 1, 2025 
Einat Wilf, former Knesset member and public intellectual, shares her journey from optimism to skepticism about Palestinian statehood. She contends that the conflict stems from a rejection of Jewish sovereignty rather than mere territorial disputes. During the conversation, she discusses the evolution of her views on the two-state solution and critiques the Palestinian leadership's historical stance. Wilf also explores the complexities of identity, justice, and the potential for peace, emphasizing the need for ideological shifts before any political resolutions can occur.
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Recognition May Mask The Core Conflict
- Einat Wilf argues many Western recognitions of Palestine dodge the core conflict by rewarding moderates instead of confronting rejectionism.
- She says such recognitions invent a moderating Palestinian actor that historical evidence does not support.
Two-State Rhetoric Often Excluded Jewish Sovereignty
- Wilf says Palestinian 'two-state' claims historically did not mean acceptance of a Jewish sovereign state.
- She highlights the right of return and refugee status as litmus tests for genuine acceptance.
Salt Versus Bread Conversation
- Wilf recounts an early 20th-century exchange: an Arab mayor said Jews are 'salt' but too many should be 'nothing at all.'
- A Zionist replied they no longer want to be salt but the 'bread,' foreshadowing inevitable clash.
