Big and Small Controversies in Israel

By Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D

Ira Sharansky

JERUSALEM — Do you want to think big?

Focus on what Mahmoud Abbas said in a recorded speech delivered to the United Nations in New York. If Israel doesn’t withdraw completely from the West Bank and East Jerusalem (he also said Gaza, but Israel has already withdrawn from there) within a year, Palestine will charge Israel with heinous crimes before the International Criminal Court. Meanwhile, he’s volunteering to negotiate final borders. The 1967 lines, wherever they are, figure in his threat.

Meanwhile, the policy of the Bennett government is not to speak with the Palestinians about a State.

And Mahmoud Abbas is the focus of a poll among Palestinians, where some 80 percent say he should resign.

So what is it all about?

Lots of countries assert that Israelis living over the 1967 lines are illegal and should be withdrawn. Or their residence would be the subject of negotiations, and a Palestinian State be created.

While Israel sits with the most powerful military force in the Middle East and beyond. And speaks, if at all, about Palestinian autonomy. But some Israelis adhere to the notion of a Palestinian State, and adhere to at least some withdrawal of settlements.

Will Abbas still be in office a year from now? And if not, will his successor(s) be more forthcoming, whatever that means? Abbas has already gone beyond the end of his term by several years. He cooperates with Israel, even while he speaks against it. And surrounding him is the potential for a serious civil war, with several movements and lots of egos wanting to replace him. For what accomplishments?

Nothing new here. The question is, can Abbas–if he really wants to–reopen the issue of Palestinian statehood, with whatever boundaries?

Do you want to think small?

Focus on Eitan, the six-year-old and lone survivor of a crashed cable car in Italy, that killed his parents, brother and a set of great grandparents. He went through a tough period in a hospital, was then taken by an aunt, who has lived in Italy for some years, and her family with two young children. Then he was taken by his Israel-living grandfather, in a private plane to Switzerland on the way to Israel.

Eitan has lived in Italy for almost all his young life. His father was studying medicine there, similar to many Israelis who study throughout Europe when unable to gain admission to the limited Israeli medical schools. We hear that the family intended to return to Israel, but who knows for sure.

Now there’s been some nastiness between his Italian and Israeli families. It’s not all clear, but there’s the prospect of much money from insurance settlements, and emotional charges of Eitan’s growing up in Italy or a Jewish country.

But there are lots of Jews in Italy. We’re hearing of previously distant relations between the aunt and Eitan’s parents, as well as the previous violence of his Israeli grandfather, divorced from his grandmother.

There are also two attorneys representing both parties. Both of them have spoken mildly, and urge quiet for the sake of Eitan.

How much can a 6-year old comprehend the noise?

Thinking of our grandchildren of about the same age, it would appear that they can comprehend a good deal. Whether he can deal with the competing forces, as well as the huge financial settlement likely to fall on his head (and whoever finally adopts him), is another story.

The complexities reflect divisions long apparent in Jewish society, now with two national courts involved, and a great deal of emotional language.

No less than what Mahmoud Abbas has inserted in the quarrel about the borders of Israel and Palestine, and who can live where?

Much to ponder, big or small.

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Ira Sharkansky, Ph.D, is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University.  He may be contacted via ira.sharkansky@sdjewishworld.com