By reviewing the history of Israel’s policy, we can see one consistent principle aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of all Israeli leaders: “Greater Israel” from the Nile to the Euphrates. Also, by analyzing the milestones that followed Madrid, the era of Yitzhak Shamir and then Rabin, we will find that moderate Israeli politicians didn’t fit the bill designed by Israel’s fanatics. As a result, moderate politicians such as Rabin had to be assassinated.
In addition, Shimon Perez who lacks the support that would lead him to the helm of power had no choice but to abandon his endeavors for peace. Perez, a foxy politician, has failed to make it as a prime minister even though he is known as the father of Israel’s atom bomb. Then came Netanyahu as prime minister; he managed to scatter peace efforts with his hard-line stances. As a result, he angered the Americans who became convinced that he lacked the necessary political skills. He was ousted from power as soon as he finished his first term. Ehud Barak, another product of Israel’s military institution, came in with some hopes but he pursued a bleak policy when he tried to convince Arafat to give up Jerusalem in exchange for peace. As a result, the second Camp David failed and then Barak had to leave office as the pressure for peace increased on Israel’s leadership. The fanatics of Israel had to choose Sharon who is known for his bloody policies, hoping that he would achieve even part of Israel’s dream through forcing the Palestinians to submit to his dictates.
Sharon is known as an inexperienced politician and incompetent negotiator but well-versed in the use of military might and violence. He therefore made a bad start from the first day he became premier. In fact, he destroyed what has been achieved for peace over the preceding ten years. He thought that by destroying the Palestinian Authority, demolishing towns and villages, launching a ceaseless war against the Palestinian resistance or assassinating its leaders, he could succeed where others failed. The sequence of events proved the contrary and the dream of a greater Israel turned into a nightmare that threatens Israel’s peaceful existence and endangers its economy. In spite of the increasing number of Palestinians killed every day, Israeli society is paying a high price as well. It is taking a rate of causalities that was unknown before the Madrid conference.
On the other hand, Israel’s economy is suffering also as a result of Sharon’s violent policies. The Intifada has caused severe damage to most sectors of Israel’s economy. The head of Israel’s Federation of the Chambers of Commerce said that national income has increased only 1.5 percent; this is the lowest growth since 1996. Therefore, the Israeli economy needs several years to recover as a result of the aggressive policy of the current ruling party. Tourism has also suffered and the number of tourists have fallen by 50 percent; hotel business is down by 40 percent and 25 hotels have closed their doors; some 28,000 hotel workers have thus lost their jobs. The internal trade deficit in the first quarter of this year jumped to $3.67 billion making it the biggest since 1999. Israel’s industrial production plummeted as well; 41 percent of factories have reduced output and 35 percent of factories have reduced their workforces. Agriculture, real estate development, banks, investments and other sectors have all suffered markedly since Sharon came to power. Sharon, instead of destroying the Palestinians, has destroyed Israel’s dream of living in peace.
