Day of Rage Flop Suggests Palestinians Don’t Mind Jewish Settlements

It was supposed to mark the Palestinian Arabs’ widespread deep displeasure with the shift in US foreign policy. But in the end, it appears that the vast majority of Palestinians just aren’t all that bothered by America’s decision to no longer view Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria as illegal, or an obstacle to peace.

The Palestinian Authority even closed schools early on Tuesday in hopes of boosting attendance at the “Day of Rage” demonstrations. Yes, they wanted to make sure that as many children as possible would take part in what typically turn into violent confrontations with Israeli soldiers. Not exactly the kind of government I’d want my kids growing up under, but I digress.

The urgency of its tone notwithstanding, the Palestinian leadership managed to entice but a few dozens of protestors to take to the streets. And who knows how many of those were just bored youth looking for something to do. After all, school had been cancelled. 

The picture that emerges is that the presence of Jewish communities in the biblical heartlands claimed by the Palestinians as their future state isn’t the stumbling block that most in the international community believe it to be. It speaks volumes that most Palestinians have better things to do than protest the White House’s determination that Jews living on ancient Jewish lands is not illegal.

It should also be remembered that said Jewish settlements provide employment to a great many Palestinian Arabs. Their removal in the name of “peace” would be detrimental to a Palestinian economy that has been grievously mismanaged by the Palestinian leadership.