Israel: It’s in Our Interest to Relinquish Areas with Large Palestinian Populations” Ex- IDF Chief

According to Al Jazeera, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has once again come under scrutiny, this time from within Israel’s own military ranks. Amiram Levin, a former commander of the northern region in the Israeli army, has made headlines with his candid remarks about the occupation and its impact on Israel’s future.

In a recent interview with Israeli media outlet Maariv, Levin did not mince words, stating that “The continuation of the Israeli occupation is the root of all sins.” This powerful statement underscores the growing sentiment among some Israeli officials that the current situation is untenable and detrimental to both parties involved.

Levin emphasized the urgent need to address the Palestinian issue, asserting that it “must be resolved and cannot be contained.” He argued that without a resolution to this long-standing conflict, Israel’s diplomatic aspirations in the region would be severely hampered. “There will be no serious normalisation with the Saudis or the Lebanese,” Levin warned, highlighting the broader implications of the ongoing occupation.

The former general’s comments come at a time when Israel is seeking to expand its diplomatic ties in the Middle East. However, Levin suggests that these efforts may be futile without first addressing the Palestinian question. His stance reflects a pragmatic approach to regional politics, acknowledging that the occupation remains a significant obstacle to Israel’s integration in the Arab world.

Levin also touched upon the demographic challenges facing Israel, advocating for a strategic withdrawal from certain territories. “It is in our interest to get rid of large areas where a large number of Palestinians live, not because it is good for them but because it is good for us,” he stated. This perspective aligns with concerns about maintaining a Jewish majority within Israel’s borders while also addressing the rights and aspirations of Palestinians.

The ex-commander’s call for action is clear: “Peace is elusive, and we must reduce the occupation and draw borders where we return to being a Jewish majority without returning to the 1967 borders.” This nuanced approach suggests a middle ground between complete withdrawal and maintaining the status quo, potentially opening new avenues for negotiation and compromise.