Why does Israel's existence cause problems in the Middle East?

Answer 1

This is a controversial subject. The Palestinians would say it's because, in forming the state of Israel, they usurped Palestinian territory then proceeded to dominate other territories populated by Palestinians, sometimes in violation of United Nations resolutions. For example, Israel maintained military administration over the Golan Heights for several years before passing a law imposing Israeli law over this disputed territory. The UN then passed a resolution, that remains 'til today, declaring it Israeli-occupied territory.

Answer 2

Israel's existence per se does not cause problems in the Middle East. The issue is over whether other nations will tolerate the existence of a Jewish State and, if they will not, what methods they will use to attempt to erase it. Particular issues with the policies of the State of Israel, but which recognize the legitimacy of the state are separate from this question since the existence of Israel alone is not an issue. (For example, nobody who opposes the Iraq War would argue that the existence of the United States is the issue, but rather the policies of the US are the issue. Similarly, those who oppose the manner or nature of the Israeli Occupation of the West Bank or other territories acquired in the Six Day War, but recognize the legitimacy of Israel as a country are not existential issues with Israel.)

Answer 3

Your question is pre-judging the issue and should be phrased differently. Would you ask "Why did African-Americans deserve to be enslaved"? Very unlikely. Rather, you might ask "Did African-Americans deserve to be enslaved?"Do you see the difference?

Israel's existence need not cause problems. Rather, it is some of Israel's policies, statements and actions, which some people interpret as being (or causing) problems.

Once you look at it that way, a whole range of solutions becomes possible. How about discussing them, or asking about them?

Why not ask "Why hasn't Israel returned to its pre-1967 borders"? Then we could carry on a serious debate. And that issue is not one-sided.

• When Israel's neighbors have pursued a policy of discussion and debate, solutions have been implemented, not only argued over. Israel pulled out of Sinai and gained a peace treaty with Egypt. A very cold peace, but a strategic and useful one.
  
• Israel made border-adjustments and water concessions to Jordan, and gained another cold but useful peace.
  
• The same process brought a treaty in May 17, 1983 with Lebanon but it was blocked by Syria.
  
• The same process was almost completed by Rabin and Arafat in 2000. They were at the treaty-signing table, having hammered out all the details. Then Yasser Arafat pulled out of the ceremony, and initiated the Second Intifada, loading the "Karin A" ship with tons of weapons for terror-use.
  

Are you aware of these historical facts?

Israel acknowledges that its existence is viewed as a problem by some, and certainly many of its actions are seen as such. Why not negotiate? Why doesn't Hamas, or Hizbollah, agree to hold talks?

Answer: Because then they'd be called upon to change their official stance (as Egypt did), which does not recognize Israel at all. They don't want to do that, so negotiations are scuttled before they can begin.

More information:

Israel is portrayed as an evil country by some of the media, by many U.N. and E.U. statements, and by much of the Arab and Muslim world.This despite the fact that Israel has better human-rights* than any other country in the region.

Israel has been boycotted for decades*, and its citizens have suffered from the conflict*, yet it continues to be optimistic and it enjoys God's protection*.

The presence of the Jews in Israel is questioned by some, despite the Jews' history* in and from Israel, and despite God's clear words* bestowing Israel to them. Words which are recognized by Islam as well*.

Those who condemn and hate Israel for its side in the conflict*, fail to apportion blame to Israel's enemies*, no matter how heinous their actions.

***See the Related Links.

Link: More about Israel

Link: Israeli human rights

Link: Israel boycotted

Link: Israelis suffer

Link: God's protection

Link: History in Israel

Link: God's words

Link: Islam recognizes

Link: Why hate Israel

Link: Israel blamed

Answer 4

Israel's existence 'per se' does not cause problems. The problems stem from other peoples perception of that existence and their denial that Israel should even have an existence.