They Say We Say: "Arabs don't 'deserve' peace"

They Say We Say We know that pro-Israel does not mean blindly supporting policies that are irrational, reckless, and counter-productive. Pro-Israel means supporting policies that are consistent with Israel's interests and promote its survival as a Jewish, democratic state.

You've heard the arguments of the religious and political right-wing, and so have we. They've had their say. Now, we'll have ours.

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Is Peace Possible?

They Say:

Arabs don't "deserve" peace because of their negative attitudes toward Israel - they won't deserve peace with Israel until they change their views.

We Say:

This assertion presupposes that in seeking peace with its neighbors, Israel is acting out of benevolent or generous motivations. According to this logic, peace is a gift that Israel will give to the Arabs, but only once they earn it.

The reality is that seeking sustainable, viable peace agreements, and reaching them urgently, is an Israeli self-interest. Indeed, without a peace agreement, Israel's very existence as a Jewish state and a democracy is at risk. Israel must pursue peace, first and foremost, because of what Israelis need and deserve, irrespective of whether Israelis (or others) feel Arabs have "earned" it or "deserve" it.