Have you ever heard of a conflict where one side wants the other to prosper economically? This is the unique approach that Zionist leaders have taken towards Palestinians since the 1880s. Instead of traditional economic warfare, they have pursued a policy of enrichment, hoping that by improving Palestinian welfare, they can reconcile them to the idea of a Jewish homeland in Israel.
This approach has deep historical roots, with early Zionist pioneers like A.D. Gordon and Theodor Herzl advocating for helping Palestinians in need and promoting good neighborly relations. Even after the Oslo Accords, Israeli leaders continued to support economic development in the West Bank and Gaza, believing that prosperity would lead to peace.
Despite these efforts, Palestinian attitudes remain hostile, and violence persists. It may be time for Israelis to rethink their strategy and consider more conventional economic warfare tactics. Will they be able to abandon the policy of enrichment and adopt a new approach to finally achieve peace in the region?
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The writer (DanielPipes.org, @DanielPipes) is president of the Middle East Forum and author of the just-published Israel Victory: How Zionists Win Acceptance and Palestinians Get Liberated (Wicked Son). © 2024 by Daniel Pipes. All rights reserved.
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