The collapse of support for Prime Minister Netanyahu (from 82 percent during the ground incursion in Gaza to 38 percent today) was to be expected. The job of every head of state is to provide security to his or her citizens. If security is compromised, the head of state loses support.
All those disappointed in Netanyahu, however, must understand the dynamics of their deteriorating security situation. Netanyahu is still operating within the Oslo framework – a framework that assumes that the creation of a Palestinian state will alleviate Israel’s security problems. But this framework is actually the root of the problem, and the public cannot expect Netanyahu to conjure up a solution within its bounds.
I personally am completely opposed to an Israeli invasion of Gaza if we will retreat once again or rule colonial-style over the Arab population. I am opposed to any temporary solution that will endanger our soldiers.
The only workable solution is for Israel to conquer Gaza and help its residents emigrate. Those who wish to stay can do so in a Gaza with a solid Jewish majority. Gaza must become a thriving Israeli city – the Riviera of the Middle East – with modern tourism, cutting-edge technology, and all the amenities of a modern city.
My plan consists of four elements:
1. We must recognize that Israel is our land, not theirs – Gaza included. No more talk of the two-state solution. One state for one people.
2. The IDF must conquer Gaza in accordance with Western military doctrine.
3. Israel must encourage and provide aid for Arab emigration. Instead of the nearly trillion shekels that Israel has invested to date in the Oslo two-state solution, we can invest in encouraging Gazans to relocate with financial security. Financially-secure immigrants are welcomed in most countries.
4. Israel must encourage aliyah and Jewish settlement in Gaza. Within the next decade, we will be seeing 1.5 million Jews immigrating to Israel. Encourage them (and veteran Israelis) to settle in Gaza and make it flourish.
This is the only pragmatic, realistic solution on the horizon. But to realize it, we need leadership that believes the land is actually ours.