“What is a realistic outcome for Gaza the day after the war? Is the re-establishment of the Jewish enclave of Gush Katif realistic, or is it unthinkable?” We had the opportunity to discuss these questions with Eliyahu Yossian. As an Iranian Jew and Middle East expert, Yossian can understand the Arab, Iranian, and Persian mindset due to his background. He is well-equipped to explain what is realistic in Gaza and what is not. Here are the key points from our conversation:
Eliyahu Yossian recalls historical events that prove that a term like “realistic” is not necessarily relevant for the Jewish people. As a first example, he cites the phrase: “Next year in Jerusalem!” For countless generations, Jews have encouraged each other to hold on to the possibility of returning to Jerusalem, regardless of whether they lived under Babylonians, Romans, Assyrians, or other peoples. Over these generations, “Next year in Jerusalem!” seemed unrealistic, but it eventually came true. (Yossian himself came to the Promised Land from exile at the age of 23 in 2003.)
Realistic punishment
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It’s the time for all of The Gaza Strip to return to full Israeli jurisdiction, if you want to call it annexation, ok.
At least half of the area should be open to Israeli citizens, building towns and villages, and farming the land. The other half to be like ‘area b’ being the only areas the present Gazzans may live. With all present day Gazzans being free to emigrate, to whoever will accept them.
Nothing is a realistic alternative if it goes against the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God specified the physical borders He chose for Israel. To change those borders, allowing an enemy within God’s territory, will always spell disaster.
If there is to be a Palestinian state, let it be within one of the many Arab states.