1948-2018 Israel's Civil War Against the Philistines

Submitted by Robert (United States), Sep 8, 2018 at 13:38

Dear Daniel Pipes,

As I'm sure you aware, during the course France's Revolution and Empire period (1789-1815) France was not only defending her Republic against its diverse internal enemies, but also it was attacked by foreign countries attempting to restore the Monarchy as well as the Nobility.

Similarly, by 1948 Israel was attacked by by military forces from Five (5) Arab countries immediately in its vicinity and totally surrounding it (except for the Mediterranean Sea): Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, & Saudi Arabia. These are, in my view, the most strategically relevant "others" besides the Philistines for Israel to achieve a Victory. Therefore, I ask you, what should Israel do with them in achieving that victory. Obviously, I do not agree with you that Israel's focus should be instead on the Philistines, and these others will simply fall automatically into place.

Actually, it seems things are unfolding in Israel's interests: (1) USA has declared Jerusalem to be Israel's Capital, (2) Israel's Knesset has passed a Basic Law declaring Israel to be a Jewish State, (3) USA has terminated the funding of UNWRA (UN organization established to keep the Philistines in perpetual refugee status through all generations.

It seems the most controversial issue is that of Statehood for the Philistines. But that's a trap for which everyone falls into. Where are the Philistines located, over which Israel has "any" control? In only 2 places: Gaza and the West Bank. Regarding Gaza, it's a "not to be recognized" place run by the Terrorist organization Hamas primarily, and Egypt is it's the intermediary on behalf of Israel. The ONLY issue is how much of Judea and Samaria Israel wants to "Settle" with Jews in its Mandatory National-Political Homeland.

In 2004 the (UN's) International Court of Justice issued its non-binding Opinion regarding Israel's Construct of its Wall in Samaria and Judea. That's were, as far as I've been able to find so far, the international "legal" notion of Israel's alleged "Occupation" was introduced. But, it is well-settled in international law, that (country) members of the UN retain their Sovereignty - accordingly,Israel considers all that a matter of DISPUTED TERRITORIES. And that dispute is between Israel and the rebellious Philistines. In other words, as a Soverign State Israel free to determine their status as either citizens of Israel up to the Jordan River,or if they wish to be a political part of Gaza. The smart thing to do is to let everyone else decide to recognize the Statehood of the Philistines. Israel's option should be non-recognition as long as it takes - just like their Arab "brothers" are currently doing to Israel, except for Egypt and Jordan.

So, regarding that volatile notion of "Settlement Construction" in Judea and Samaria, there is no reason why a Gaza-Philistine State with 20% Jews should not be theoretically possible, don't you agree?

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