Both sides benefit from two-state solution

To the Editor:

Brutally attacked, Israel focused on defending itself against a rain of missiles and further terrorist attacks. October was no time for new elections. Five months later, with 30,000 dead, and Gaza reduced to rubble, it’s time for a vote of no-confidence, and a new leader.

It’s not possible to kill Hamas. Hamas is an idea, and a rallying cry for many Palestinians. Many Hamas leaders are not in Gaza, and Hamas foot-soldiers will be easily replaced by teenagers, whose families and homes have been destroyed.

Netanyahu won elections by promising security. He strengthened fortifications around Gaza and mercilessly repressed Palestinians in the West Bank. Netanyahu knew for a year of Hamas’ plans, but dismissed them. “Hamas was too afraid of Israel to attack.” Now, he’s promised that Israel’s retaliation will be imprinted upon the memories of Gazans, and the entire Arab world, for generations. But will future generations be more afraid, or more determined?

Netanyahu shattered Israel’s unity by attacking Israel’s independent judiciary to protect himself from criminal prosecutions. He divided Israel’s defense forces by encouraging West Bank settlements, and using the IDF to protect them. Unity was Israel’s great strength. Disunity provided fertile ground for the Hamas attack. Israelis died while waiting nine hours for the IDF to respond. Travel time is only two hours. Was the delay intentional? Did Netanyahu want a war so he could stay in power?

Netanyahu has adamantly opposed a two-state solution. He wants all of Palestine as a Jewish state, with 7 million Jews and 7 million Arabs, living in poverty, with almost no rights. Terrorism only flourishes when people have nothing to lose. A two-state solution, with financial support from Saudi Arabia and the Emirates, will give Palestinians peace and prosperity — the antidote to terrorism. Only then will Israel be secure.