JERUSALEM — The world seems to be in a mess.
Where to start?
Israel’s election is in a bit more than a week. The parties are maneuvering. We aren’t sure who’s going to be aligned with who? And will there be enough to assure that Benjamin Netanyahu (Bibi) is not our prime minister? The polls are many, and all very close to a tie between the Bibi crowd and the anti-Bibi crowd. It may depend on the anti-Bibi crowd accepting Arab partner(s).
There’s no clear ideologie between the parties. It’s mostly him or him, or maybe her, with their claims of superiority.
Britain has lost its short-serving prime minister. If she had a dramatic program, it seems to have gone. And they’re waiting to see who will replace her, with what kind of proposals. Maybe it was a mistake to go for Brexit. Isn’t Britain part of Europe? And having to put up with the politics required to stay involved? From here it’s tough to tell.
In the U.S., Donald Trump continues to make his noises. And to be charged. And what about the pending mid-term election? It’ll depend a lot on what is happening in the states. All told, it looks as close to a tie as our Israeli situation.
And the war in Ukraine. Or is it also in Russia? We’re hearing about the near collapse of the Russian military, but their continued use of weapons bought from Iran that destroy buildings and lives. Plus a threat to destroy a power dam in Ukraine, which would cause flooding equivalent to a weapon of mass destruction.
Israel has provided some humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and has stated its support for their cause. But it has not provided weapons. Israel has a delicate relationship with Russia, not only around the Jews in Russia, but around Russian acceptance of Israeli attacks against Iranians and Hezbollah in Syria.
The Labour government of Australia has reversed an earlier decision and unrecognized western Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the 2018 move had undermined peace and “put Australia out of step with the majority of the international community.” She stressed that Australia remained a “steadfast friend” to Israel. Its embassy will stay in Tel Aviv.
Israel’s government called the U-turn short-sighted and deeply disappointing, and asserted that “Jerusalem is the eternal and united capital of Israel and nothing will ever change that.”
But do Jews wander through the neighborhoods of eastern Jerusalem?
Australian Jews are not happy with the decision, but their numbers are small. Perhaps too small, compared to groups less inclined to support Israel.
Jews are even less well represented in the bodies of the United Nations. According to the U.N. Human Rights Commission, Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory is unlawful under international law, due to its permanence and the Israeli government’s de facto annexation policies..
Palestinian Authority leader has praised both the Australian and U.N. Human Rights Commission. His security forces cooperate with Israel. Or maybe they are working against the opponents/enemies of al Fatah?
That’s among the many unanswered questions in this situation.
There’s an uptick in violence, both in Jerusalem and the West Bank. It’s Palestinian against Jews, and Jews attacking Arabs and their property.
About Australia and the U.N. Human Rights Commission, should we say, “so what?” As long as the Palestinian leadership remains old, weak, divided, and out of control, there’s not much to be done about dividing what might be called the Land of Israel, Israel, or Palestine. And the status plus borders of Jerusalem. Assuming that we—or some of us—are willing to divide these places.
How to do it? What borders should we use? What will the Palestinians accept?
And should an Israeli government include Arabs? Why not? They represent some 20% of the population,with strong ties to nearby neighbors.
Meanwhile, coronavirus is still in the world, with upticks in the U.S. and Europe, but announcements that several audiences no longer need to wear masks. We’ve had our fifth booster shot, and things seem under control here. But arrivals keep coming, with who knows what.