There is no military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict - opinion

Gershon Baskin argues that neither Israeli military force nor Palestinian armed resistance can resolve the conflict. He asserts that only Palestinian freedom and Israeli security through a political solution can bring peace, criticizing both sides' reliance on violence.

Gershon Baskin argues that neither Israeli military force nor Palestinian armed resistance can resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He asserts that military power can achieve tactical victories but cannot eliminate national aspirations. Baskin criticizes both sides: Israel's belief that sufficient pressure will make Palestinians give up freedom, and Palestinian armed movements that have brought destruction without achieving statehood. He specifically condemns Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya's recent speech, which he says presents a maximalist vision of liberating all of Palestine, including Haifa and Jaffa, and shows no regret for the October 7 attack. Baskin calls for a political solution based on Palestinian sovereignty and Israeli security, emphasizing that genuine peace requires both peoples to abandon the illusion of military victory.