The awakening: Why the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is about more than borders – opinion

The October 7 massacre has prompted a reevaluation among many Israelis, particularly within the Left and Center, regarding the core nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Previously, the conflict was largely understood as territorial, with the belief that land concessions would lead to peace. However, the recent events have led to a more difficult question: is the conflict primarily about the legitimacy of a Jewish state in the region, rather than just borders? The article highlights the significant influence of Islamist religious ideology in Palestinian society, exemplified by Hamas, which views the struggle as part of a broader religious vision and not limited to the 1967 lines. It also discusses the global public opinion battle, noting Qatar's role through Al Jazeera in shaping narratives that often portray Israel as the aggressor. The author argues that Israel needs to abandon illusions and address the fundamental question of whether there is a genuine Palestinian willingness to accept Israel's permanent existence, rather than focusing solely on territorial divisions.