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”). continue reading…
