There has been much ado in the media in the last few years about the refusal of Hamas and Hezbollah (the two prominent political and armed factions of Palestine and Lebanon respectively) to admit that Israel has a right to exist. Of course, there is little practical consequence if the two would change their position, even if judging by Israel’s cries one would think that this gesture alone would surely lead to the much-advertised two-state solution. The lack of consequence is mainly because even if such public recognition would occur, it wouldn’t change the fact that Israel is still an occupying power in someone else’s land and as such any means of resistance (civil or armed) is justified (basically saying “Ok, you have the right to exist and stuff, but we’re still gonna bomb you until you get the picture and leaves us alone”).

But I haven’t seen any argument presented as to ‘does Israel have the right to exist’. As most people gifted with logic know, the burden of proof resides on the shoulder of the one making the affirmation. So, if someone comes and says that a state has the right to exist, this affirmation must be supported by arguments, especially given the fact that a bunch of people came, ethnically cleansed a region, became an occupying a power and enacted a state which wasn’t there less than a century ago on a land disputed by others, ignoring the United Nations in the process.

So, let’s ask the question. Does Israel have the right to exist? Well, let’s see. There are many forms under which Israel can exist (country, nation, state) so let’s take them one by one.

First of all, does Israel have the right to exist as a country? Well, a country is a political division of a geographical area. Certainly, the people of Israel do have the right to enact a political entity to represent them and  govern their area, but the problem is that this area is disputed. The year 1967 saw a war of conquest where Israel took land outside the internationally recognized borders, land which the international community demanded to be return to the people it was taken from. Some was returned but the land which interests Hamas and the Palestinians (for example) was not. Moreover, settlements were built on that land, against international law which combats colonization and against a series of UN resolutions. Therefore, if Israel as a country is defined within the border it claims after 1967, then it cannot be recognized as a country. Of course, if Israel decided to redefine itself within the internationally recognized borders before 1967, then by all means, it has the right to exist and should be recognized as such.

Second, does Israel have the right to exist as a nation? A nation is defined as a large social and cultural community. As such, Israel represents (under the self-proclaimed status of a jewish nation) the jewish community and culture and it definitely has the right to exist … and it exists. Geographical boundaries to not apply here and I’m sure nobody would deny Israel the definition of a nation. The desired status of nation-state, however, remains disputed.

At last, does Israel have the right to exist as a state? The state is a political association with sovereignty over a geographical area. Here we are back to the geographical disputes. The nation of Israel is definitely not recognized as sovereign over the territory it claims since it is internationally recognized as an occupying power. This occupation results in forfeit of sovereignty and it seems logical that Israel cannot be recognized as a state unless it returns to the borders from before 1967.

In conclusion, I strongly believe Israel cannot make any valid claims at recognition from anyone unless it decides to renounce its occupation and return to the Un-drawn borders from before 1967. There are several conditions Israel should meet before it can launch any claims about recognition: first, it should allow refugees displaced during the occupation to return to their lands; second, it should return to the borders from before 1967 and recognized the Palestinian territories as fully and completely independent; lastly, it should grant political equality to all its citizens and the parties representing them – this is important as recently Israel suspended the right to vote of Arab parliament members.

I really hope Israel will soon drop its spiteful and warmongering stance and finally give peace a change, since this is the only way to a sustainable state of peace and security.