Monthly Archives: January 2025

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The Day After. Three is a Charm

The Day After. Three is a Charm

Marc Weisman

1.27.2025

Marc Weisman
Dr. Marc Weisman is a physician and writer.

Introduction: The Core Problem and Premise

The only lasting solution for peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors is to permanently remove Israel and the Jewish people from the Palestinian dilemma. If Israel remains a landlord, policeman, or caretaker for the Palestinians, remnants of Hamas, Iran’s leadership, and Islamist groups will continue to spread hatred and obstruct peace. The two-state solution is not viable because Palestinians have repeatedly shown their goal is for Palestine to replace Israel. This was evident in 2007 when they elected Hamas, a group explicitly committed to destroying Jews and Israel. The October 7th massacre further underscores this point, with polls showing overwhelming Palestinian support for the attack. This ongoing allegiance to Hamas makes Palestinians unfit to have a state of their own. A solution is urgently needed — and one has been clear, though largely overlooked, for decades: the “three-state solution.” While often dismissed, it represents a practical and achievable path to lasting peace.

Introducing the Three-State Solution

The “three-state solution” involves Jordan reassuming control over the West Bank, Egypt reclaiming Gaza, and Israel relinquishing claims to most of these territories. While significant barriers exist, closer examination reveals they can be addressed.

Three Essential Components of the Three-State Solution

  1. Israel withdraws from Gaza and the West Bank.
  2. Jordan and Egypt are relatively poor nations and, therefore, subject to economic incentives.
  3. These nations cannot immediately assimilate Palestinians but should lead a coalition of willing Arab nations to administer the territories post-conflict. Palestinians’ indoctrination to hate Jews and glorify violence makes them a toxic influence, which is why no nation incorporates them. Their hostility is deeply ingrained and taught in homes, schools, mosques, and daily life. Assimilating them into other Arab nations poses risks, given the fragility of the “Arab street” and Iran’s constant efforts to destabilize Sunni nations.

The Flawed Alternatives

The One-State Solution: Replacing Israel with a Palestinian state is a nonstarter.

The Two-State Solution: Establishing a Palestinian state alongside Israel while its leadership and people remain committed to Israel’s destruction is equally unviable.

Expel the Gazans: Wherever they go, they will create a “state in exile” and perpetuate the myth that they are the indigenous people who must win back “their” land. This also doesn’t solve the West Bank problem, adding to the “state in exile” dilemma.

Historical and Geopolitical Context

A Palestinian state has never existed and is unnecessary. The concept of a distinct Palestinian identity was politically constructed by Yasser Arafat in 1967 to oppose Israel. Palestinians are Arabs from neighboring regions.

Before 1967, the West Bank and Gaza were under Jordanian and Egyptian control, respectively. The three-state solution would return these territories to their former administrators.  Geography further complicates the viability of a Palestinian state, as Gaza and the West Bank are separated by 57 miles of Israeli territory.

The Role of Arab Nations

Arab states have historically refused to integrate Palestinians, partly due to their radicalization by Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, which makes them a destabilizing force. Additionally, Arab nations have used Palestinian refugees as a political tool against Israel, hoping attrition will eventually defeat the Jewish nation.

The largely successful war against Hamas, Iran, and its proxies, and the fall of President Assad in Syria presents a valuable opportunity for peace heretofore seemingly impossible. The Sunni nations, along with the proven strength of Israel, now possess the ability to push out Iran and design a new way forward.   For the three-state solution to succeed, however, peaceful Arab nations must share the responsibility of the initial administration to counterbalance Iranian and Islamist influence. Ultimately, Jordan and Egypt would assume control of the territories with safeguards in place to prevent unrest in their nations.

Incentivizing Egypt and Jordan

Financial incentives for Jordan and Egypt are critical. Wealthy Gulf states, the European Union, and the United States can provide substantial economic aid in exchange for them to govern these lands. For context, Egypt’s GDP per capita is $17,000, Jordan’s is $13,000, whereas Saudi Arabia’s is $72,000. Imagine the transformative impact of substantial economic incentives for Jordan and Egypt for administering Gaza and the West Bank while respecting their need for strict separation of Gazans from their own territories during the transition period. Eventually, economic success and distance from the poison of Hamas will quell the Palestinian hatred and bloodlust allowing for more assimilation into Jordan and Egypt proper.

Rebuilding Gaza and the West Bank

The international community can support this plan by investing in infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Once Hamas is dismantled and Israel is removed from the Palestinian equation, progress can begin.

Israel’s Sacrifice and the Path to Peace

Under this plan, Israel faces a significant sacrifice. The West Bank, historically known as Judea and Samaria, is central to Jewish history and the heart of King David’s kingdom. Relinquishing this land is a painful decision, but it is a necessary compromise for lasting peace.

Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunity for Peace

The three-state solution offers a pragmatic path to peace. By removing the Palestinian dilemma from Israel’s responsibilities, it disempowers Iran, reduces Islamist threats, and resolves a conflict that has fueled decades of unrest. This solution provides economic opportunities for the disenfranchised Palestinians. It creates a pathway for Jordan and Egypt to assume leadership roles and benefit economically and politically from their bold action and their role in finally solving the world’s most vexing longstanding conflict. The West also stands to benefit significantly as Iran and Islamists lose their most potent recruiting tool: the Israeli—Palestinian conflict—the gift that never stops giving.

2025-01-29T15:59:41+00:00 January 29th, 2025|

The Trump anti-jihad ripple effect

JNS

 

While the progressive left often dismisses religion broadly, it has displayed an inexplicable tolerance for radical Islam.

 

Anti-Israel demonstrators march along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Dec. 2, 2023. Credit: Pretzelles via Wikimedia Commons.

Anti-Israel demonstrators march along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Dec. 2, 2023. Credit: Pretzelles via Wikimedia Commons.
Marc Weisman
Dr. Marc Weisman is a physician and writer.

(Jan. 7, 2025 / JNS)

There is a direct relationship between radical Islamic successes and the recruitment of jihadists, domestically and abroad. When radical Islam suffers losses in the courts, in the realm of public opinion and on the battlefields of the Middle East, their membership suffers. This is key to their defeat. Therefore, the left’s acquiescence to Islamists in the name of “tolerance” is directly proportional to Islamist gains. Herein lies the solution to this quagmire, and President-elect Donald Trump and the Republican Party seem to understand this well.

Under Trump and the GOP, the United States has adopted a decisive strategy to combat antisemitism and radical Islam. Congressional initiatives spearheaded by figures like Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), combined with Trump’s unwavering condemnation of Hamas and Iranian-backed proxies, demonstrate moral clarity and a steadfast stance against Islamism. It marks a sharp departure from the policies of the previous administration. The contrast between the Biden-Harris administration’s strategies of appeasement and Trump’s firm resistance to kinetic and cultural jihad—the gradual infiltration of radical Islamic ideologies into Western societies—is stark.

While the progressive left often dismisses religion broadly, it has displayed an inexplicable tolerance for radical Islam, emboldening jihadist elements in the United States and the West. This has contributed to the erosion of Western cultural norms and values as educational institutions and mainstream media increasingly abandon the belief in American exceptionalism and primacy of Judeo-Christian principles.

At its core, Western civilization is rooted in the enduring principles of Judeo-Christian values. Yet this foundation has been deeply shaken by a “slow jihad” that has flourished under the guise of tolerance. Many Democrats and much of our media dismiss legitimate critiques of radical Islam as Islamophobia, bigotry and racism, stifling meaningful discourse and leaving Western culture vulnerable to gradual subversion.

Tragically, the first day of 2025 brought with it a horrific example of radical Islamic terror. A U.S. Army veteran unabashedly displaying an ISIS flag from a rental truck easily defeated improvised barriers and rammed into the teeming French Quarter in New Orleans, killing 14 people. The actions of the alleged attacker, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, are the most recent example of domestic recruitment by jihadists, in this case, ISIS. This appears to be yet one more heartbreaking example of homegrown jihad that may never have occurred if U.S. leadership crushed rather than coddled radical Islam.

Trump promises to continue the GOP’s unrepentant approach to combating jihad and antisemitism. This need for such leadership, already evident during his first term, was reinforced during the widely televised congressional hearings on antisemitism at Ivy League schools in December 2023. They exposed the alarming inability or unwillingness of university leaders to acknowledge or condemn blatant antisemitism on their campuses. The public reaction to these revelations has been one of shock and awakening, highlighting the urgent need for action to counter radical Islamic ideology among youth and faculty.

Trump’s legacy includes expanding protections against antisemitism in federally funded educational institutions and redefining antisemitism to include certain forms of anti-Israel sentiment. His first administration implemented travel restrictions targeting countries identified as breeding grounds for Islamist extremism. While these measures faced criticism, they were positioned as essential to protecting national security and countering jihadist infiltration.

Tackling antisemitism and radical Islam abroad

Europe is grappling with significant challenges as antisemitism rises and radical Islamist ideologies gain traction. In countries like France, Germany and the United Kingdom, Jewish communities increasingly face violent attacks and growing hostility. The impact of radical Islam extends far beyond antisemitism. Muslim communities in major Western European cities struggle with assimilation and too often advocate for the adoption of Islamic laws and cultural practices that conflict with the values of their host societies. This dynamic has contributed to expanding “no-go zones” where local law enforcement faces significant challenges in maintaining control. These zones further isolate young Muslims, perpetuating a vicious cycle of alienation and radicalization. High-profile incidents like the Paris riots, the Brussels bombings and the London Bridge attack highlight the need for action.

Israel is the West’s first line of defense against radical Islam, so Trump’s unequivocal support for Israel further demonstrates his commitment to preserving Western culture. Key achievements in his support of Israel include relocating the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, and brokering the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. Trump is messaging his intent to enthusiastically continue supporting Israel in its defensive, justified, and, so far, very successful war against Iran and its proxies. These actions not only strengthen U.S.-Israel ties but also showcase a path towards regional stability through decisive leadership.

A transatlantic partnership, led by America and rooted in firm opposition to radical Islam and antisemitism, will reverse the gains made by extreme Islamists in the United States and abroad. It will also deny a quarter to young, impressionable Muslims who will no longer be emboldened by the West’s apparent capitulation to jihadists’ efforts. Trump’s policies emphasize rejecting jihadist ideologies while fostering integration and inclusion for Muslim communities willing to embrace democratic values. In recognition of this, many in the American Muslim community supported Trump for president. This balanced approach serves as an antidote to the progressive left’s tolerance of Islamist extremism, which has allowed these ideologies to gain a foothold. By prioritizing firm opposition to radical Islamism in all its forms alongside support for genuine inclusion, a united front can safeguard democratic principles while buying the West time to address the root causes of Islamic extremism.

The Trump anti-jihad effect offers a beacon of hope for a Western civilization under siege by radical Islam and antisemitism. Trump’s policies, grounded in moral clarity and decisive action, aim to dismantle these movements’ ideological and cultural threats. By resisting the progressive left’s pro-Islamist sentiment in America and countering unfettered immigration from radicalized regions of the world, Trump’s approach provides a blueprint for safeguarding the Judeo-Christian values that underpin Western society.

 

2025-01-28T03:48:08+00:00 January 28th, 2025|

Power to perception, an Israeli victory defeats antisemitism

JNS

As Israel’s fate unfolds, so does the trajectory of antisemitism; thus, the solution to the current state of global antisemitism lies largely with Israel.

Rescued Air France passengers wave to the waiting crowd while leaving the belly of the Hercules plane at Ben-Gurion International Airport. Credit: Moshe Milner, July 4, 1976, from National Photo Collection of Israel, Photography Department, Government Press Office via Wikimedia Commons.

Rescued Air France passengers wave to the waiting crowd while leaving the belly of the Hercules plane at Ben-Gurion International Airport. Credit: Moshe Milner, July 4, 1976, from National Photo Collection of Israel, Photography Department, Government Press Office via Wikimedia Commons.
Marc Weisman
Dr. Marc Weisman is a physician and writer.

Antisemitism is the world’s oldest continuous bigotry. While the reasons for it are multifactorial, conflicts involving Israel are accompanied by a rise in antisemitism. Oct. 7 was a massive intelligence and strategic failure. Israel’s enemies were elated to witness what appeared to be a kink in the armor of the storied Israel. This perceived weakness sparked a crazed exacerbation of Jew-hatred and blood lust in their mistaken belief that they could finally bring about Israel’s demise. Israel and the Jewish people are indelibly linked and as such, antisemitism is directly coupled to global perceptions regarding the State of Israel. Both Jews and non-Jews understand this.

The Jewish Diaspora’s connection to the Land of Israel spans thousands of years. It is cemented by religious traditions and scripture that place Israel, particularly Jerusalem, at the epicenter of Jewish identity. This nexus between Israel and Diaspora Jews is amplified during conflicts involving Israel, where global media and political criticisms of Israel often spill over into antisemitic stereotypes and attacks on Jewish communities. In a world of 195 nations—158 of which are majority Christian and 51 are majority Muslim—there is only one Jewish state. For all these reasons, the Jewish people and the State of Israel are deeply intertwined by an enduring bond. As Israel’s fate unfolds, so does the trajectory of antisemitism; thus, the solution to the current state of rabid global antisemitism lies largely with Israel herself.

Since Oct. 7, the Anti-Defamation League has counted a 388% increase in antisemitic events in the United States, with similar trends in most Western European nations. This trend is being observed across numerous platforms, including college campuses, social media, public-forum protests, and perhaps the most worrisome of all, violent attacks. The FBI reports a sharp rise in anti-Jewish physical attacks in the United States and Europe, where scores of assaults have affected synagogues and Jews individually. Unfortunately, too many on the left in America, including university professors, infotech leaders and mainstream journalists, have thrown their weight behind this anti-Israel rhetoric. We’ve witnessed university presidents, journalists and even Democratic congresspeople supporting the pro-Hamas, anti-Israel narrative.

Ironically, the very thing most responsible for fueling antisemitism is also its antidote: the annoying habit Jews and the Jewish state have in punching well beyond their weight. The successes and achievements of Jews and Israel are well known, and so far beyond their tiny numbers, it is sometimes hard to fathom. Mark Twain stated of the Jews, “He has made a marvelous fight in this world, in all the ages, and had done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself and be excused for it.” John Adams put it this way; “I will insist the Hebrews have [contributed] more to civilize men than any other nation.” Sadly, the veneration great men and women have for the Jews is equaled by the envy of weak-minded people. It is this envy that drives antisemitism.

An interviewer asked the economist and social philosopher Thomas Sowell, what can Jews do to mitigate the 2,000-year-old scourge of antisemitism? His answer came brilliantly as a single word: Fail. While that is undoubtedly true, failure is typically not in the Jewish DNA, so the next best solution is precisely the opposite: succeed spectacularly.

Success begets respect, and respect is a winning formula. When spiteful antisemites control the narrative as they have this past year, antisemitism rises. Alternatively, when the esteem for Israel rises, antisemitism falls. There is historical precedent supporting this theory. In 1967, when in just six days Israel soundly defeated four invading Arab armies in a stunning victory, American support for the Jewish state grew. Another example is the July 1976 raid on Entebbe, an amazingly successful Israeli military mission that rescued the crew and passengers of a plane hijacked by Palestinian and German terrorists. That event was followed by increased support for Israel and diminished antisemitism.

It is fundamental human nature to rally around the winner. The useful idiot, terrorist sympathizers at home and abroad who are spewing the anti-Jewish cacophony but are not vested in Jew-hatred, are vulnerable to realignment. A definitive Israeli victory will shift their allegiance toward the Jews and Israel or at least relax their support for the terrorists. Bullies pick on the weak, not the strong. Herein lies a critical component of the solution to the antisemitism that was fueled by mistaken optimism that Israel and the Jews are weak and defenseless. They proved, once again, to be lions unmatched anywhere on earth by their numbers. Israel’s success in defeating their enemies will bring global respect, maybe not love, but respect, and with that respect will come a diminution of Jew-hatred.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has finally shed his obeisance to the perpetual demands by U.S. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Democrats for ceasefires and “proportional” responses. This released Israel to do what it does best: Succeed. Netanyahu has finally unbridled Israel’s awesome capabilities, and once again, the tiny nation of Israel has proven to the world its astonishing military reach and technological capabilities. They have methodically and systematically routed both Hamas and Hezbollah. These wars are not yet over, but the tide has indeed turned in Israel’s favor these last few weeks. The Israel Defense Forces has demolished all 12 Hamas brigades and assassinated nearly all of Hamas’s leadership. They executed a James Bond-like pager/walkie-talkie magic-bombing feat against thousands of Hezbollah terrorists in a single moment that stunned the world. They killed every high-level Hezbollah leader in 10 days, including their leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

A decisive victory by Israel against Iran and its proxies would create a rare opportunity for reshaping the Middle East. Not only would Israel guarantee its own security but would also deliver an era of reduced global antisemitic tension. The Abraham Accords would expand, likely to soon include Saudi Arabia, which would pave the way for true Arab-Israeli peace, at least with the Sunni nations. Finally, when the Islamists and their witless antisemitic followers in the West have their dreams crushed under the weight of a definitive Israeli victory and they crawl back into their holes, all the West will benefit.

2025-01-28T03:48:33+00:00 January 28th, 2025|