The UN resolution was not fully implemented due to Israel's expansionist policies. Jewish organizations took control of most Palestinian territories in 1948.
Thus, three-quarters of Palestinian territories came under Israeli control. In response, Jordan took control of the West Bank and Egypt took control of Gaza.
However, Israel did not stop there and occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, and the Golan Heights in Syria on June 5, 1967.
In November 1967, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 242, calling for Israel's withdrawal from the occupied territories.
Despite the years that have passed since the adoption of this decision, Israel has yet to withdraw from these territories; the occupation in the West Bank and the blockade in Gaza continue. The Israeli occupation in Jerusalem and the Golan Heights also persists.
Currently, there are approximately 250 illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank, occupied by Israel since the 1967 war. Over 500,000 Jewish settlers live in these settlements.
According to international law, all Jewish settlements in the occupied territories are considered illegal.
Why is the Recognition of Palestine as a "State" Frightening?
This issue, described as the mother of problems in the Middle East, has a long historical background with complex and difficult issues at its core, such as land, identity, and sovereignty.
Since World War II, Israel has had a story to tell the world and a strong, systematic propaganda machine. It has been almost impossible to express views contrary to Israeli theses or to accuse it of unlawful actions in the West.
This situation has prevented the presentation, understanding, and validation of Palestinian theses. However, what has happened in Gaza since October 7 seems to have started changing this reality.
The actions of students and academics in universities raising their voices for Palestine and the steps taken by Norway, Spain, and Ireland have caused great concern in Tel Aviv.
The continuation of the recognition of Palestine could lead to the criticism of Israel's policies in the occupied territories and to the international community raising its voice about the violation of Palestinian rights.
This could create pressure on Israel's foreign relations and security.
Israel's Fear: What Happens if the Palestinian State is Established?
The most important issue to be discussed and brought to the agenda after the recognition of the Palestinian State is the actual establishment of the state. Israel has made all agreements to date ineffective to hinder the two-state solution. For example, the Oslo Agreement signed with the Palestinian Authority was not implemented.
Israel continues all its unilateral practices that undermine the two-state solution and create a difficult and complex atmosphere affecting security and stability.
While Israel continues its Apartheid system, disproportionate violence, killings, house demolitions, displacement, settler violence, and violations of the status of Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied Palestinian territories, there is no political horizon to preserve the option of a two-state solution according to international legitimacy.
However, the idea of establishing a Palestinian State still remains a great source of fear for Israel. So, what are the reasons Israel opposes the establishment of a Palestinian State?
- Security: Israel fears that the establishment of a Palestinian State could increase security risks for itself. Tel Aviv, which cannot even tolerate Gaza as a border, sees an independent and territorially unified state as a major threat to its existence.
- Land: The establishment of a Palestinian State means that Palestinians would reclaim at least part of their occupied territories. A geographically unified Palestinian State would mean Israel losing land. Since its establishment, Israel has pursued an expansionist policy, trying to leave no connection even between Palestinian villages with its settlements.
- International Status: The establishment of a Palestinian State could increase international pressure on Israel. Especially, it could face accusations of massacres and genocide committed to date. Currently, Israel claims to be the sole authority in the occupied territories and continues to kill and destroy, claiming that only it has the authority to use force.
The establishment of a Palestinian State could make it difficult for Israel to continue its current policies. All of this could lead to international isolation or economic sanctions against Israel.
