The true enemy within: Israel's expansionist policies

As tensions flare in the Middle East, many point fingers at Hizbollah, Iran and Hamas as Israel's primary adversaries. Yet, the real enemy lies within Israel itself: Its own expansionist policies. These policies have not only fuelled conflict, but have also undermined Israel’s long-term security and stability. The failure to recognise this self-inflicted wound threatens to perpetuate a cycle of violence and instability that could devastate the region for generations to come.

Since its establishment, Israel has pursued a strategy of territorial expansion, often at the expense of its neighbours and the Palestinian people. This relentless drive for land has manifested in the occupation of Palestinian territories, the expansion of settlements and the systematic displacement of communities. Each act of expansion has provoked retaliation and resentment, creating a fertile ground for extremist ideologies to take root. The more Israel builds walls and settlements, the more it isolates itself, both politically and morally.

The notion that military might alone can secure peace is a dangerous illusion. Israel’s military actions against groups like Hamas and Hizbollah may yield temporary tactical victories, but they do not address the underlying issues that fuel conflict. When the Palestinian plight is ignored and their aspirations for statehood are dismissed, hostility will persist. Expansionist policies only serve to deepen animosity and breed a new generation of fighters who see resistance as the only path to dignity and justice.

Moreover, Israel's expansionist agenda has alienated potential allies and de-stabilised relationships with key partners. The United States, once a staunch supporter, is increasingly wary of the implications of Israel’s policies on regional stability. As global attitudes shift, Israel risks finding itself increasingly isolated on the world stage. The failure to engage in meaningful dialogue and seek a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will only exacerbate this isolation, limiting Israel’s options for diplomacy and cooperation.

The irony is stark: In pursuing security through expansion, Israel has created an environment of perpetual insecurity. The continuous cycle of violence and retaliation is not only detrimental to the Palestinian people, but also jeopardises the safety of Israelis. A secure Israel cannot be built on the ruins of another people’s dreams and aspirations. True security comes from coexistence, mutual respect and a commitment to justice.

In the realm of international relations, soft power — a nation’s ability to attract and co-opt rather than coerce — has never been more critical. Israel's hardline policies have eroded its moral standing and diminished its soft power within the international community. The backlash against its expansionist tactics has resulted in a growing chorus of voices advocating for Palestinian rights, prompting calls for sanctions and boycotts. The longer Israel clings to its expansionist agenda, the more it risks alienating itself from global allies who once stood by its side.

Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically since the early days of Israel’s statehood. New players are emerging, and alliances are being redefined. Arab nations, long opposed to Israel, are beginning to seek normalisation based on mutual interests, but these opportunities are squandered when Israel prioritises expansion over diplomacy.

The path to a sustainable peace requires a paradigm shift in Israeli policy, moving away from expansionism and towards reconciliation. This entails not only acknowledging the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, but also fostering an environment conducive to dialogue and compromise. By investing in initiatives that promote economic development and social cohesion, Israel can lay the groundwork for a future where both Israelis and Palestinians thrive together, rather than exist in a state of perpetual conflict.

As the region stands on the brink of further conflict, Israel must take a hard look in the mirror. The real enemy is not Hizbollah or Hamas; it is the misguided expansionist policies that have led to a cycle of violence and despair. A change in approach is not just necessary; it is imperative for the survival and prosperity of both Israelis and Palestinians.