The Palestinian Question in Israel's Upcoming Election

As Israel approaches a pivotal election, the future of the West Bank and Israeli-Palestinian relations appears sidelined in political discourse. The election, occurring after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, has shifted the focus to security and leadership accountability, overshadowing the longstanding "Palestinian question." Candidates Benjamin Netanyahu and Naftali Bennett are expected to emphasize their responses to the recent violence rather than propose transformative solutions for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The missing Palestinian question: Facing pivotal election, few talking about West Bank’s futureIsrael High Court orders evictions of Palestinian families in occupied East JerusalemCops reportedly probing right-wing agitator who blocked ex-judge Aharon Barak’s carIsrael Gov’t tells Supreme Court it will not allow Gaza patients to receive treatment in West Bank or Jerusalem

Historically, significant events in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, such as the First and Second Intifadas, prompted elections that led to substantial proposals for peace. For instance, Yitzhak Rabin's victory in 1992 initiated the Oslo process, while Ehud Olmert's 2006 election followed the Gaza withdrawal. However, the aftermath of the October 7 attack has not inspired similar proposals, as political leaders grapple with ideological uncertainty and a lack of viable solutions. Netanyahu's opposition to Palestinian statehood and the right's push for annexation have further complicated the discourse.

The missing Palestinian question: Facing pivotal election, few talking about West Bank’s futureIsrael High Court orders evictions of Palestinian families in occupied East JerusalemCops reportedly probing right-wing agitator who blocked ex-judge Aharon Barak’s carIsrael Gov’t tells Supreme Court it will not allow Gaza patients to receive treatment in West Bank or Jerusalem

In the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan, dozens of Palestinian families face imminent eviction following a Supreme Court ruling that favors a settler organization. Residents, including Kayed Rajabi, express despair over the loss of their homes, with Rajabi stating, "They want to force me out of the house I was born in." The evictions are part of a broader trend of displacement in East Jerusalem, where Israeli authorities have accelerated home demolitions and settlement expansions, often justified by claims of legal ownership and security concerns.

Human rights organizations have condemned the eviction policies in Silwan, arguing they reflect a systematic effort to displace Palestinian residents. Critics highlight the lack of viable alternatives for those evicted, with Rajabi noting, "People will live in the streets." This sentiment underscores the broader implications of the Israeli government's actions, which many view as part of a strategy to consolidate control over contested areas.

The Israeli government has defended its actions in Silwan and other areas, asserting that the evictions are legal and necessary for security. However, this stance has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally, with calls for a reevaluation of policies that disproportionately affect Palestinian communities. The government has also indicated it will not allow critically ill patients from Gaza to receive treatment in the West Bank or East Jerusalem, citing security concerns, further exacerbating tensions.

Israel Gov’t tells Supreme Court it will not allow Gaza patients to receive treatment in West Bank or Jerusalem

As the election approaches, the Palestinian issue is likely to remain a contentious backdrop. While candidates may avoid direct engagement with the topic, the implications of ongoing evictions and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict will undoubtedly influence voter sentiment. The election may ultimately shape not only the future of Israeli governance but also the trajectory of Israeli-Palestinian relations in the years to come.

The missing Palestinian question: Facing pivotal election, few talking about West Bank’s future

• “They want to force me out of the house I was born in, where my eyes first opened to life,” — Kayed Rajabi, Silwan resident

• “What’s the practical difference between ‘impossible’ and ‘improper?’… Since the practical implications of this debate have shifted from the present to the remote future, it has lost its ability to divide Israel.” — Micah Goodman, Israeli thinker

The missing Palestinian question: Facing pivotal election, few talking about West Bank’s future

• “People will live in the streets,” — Kayed Rajabi, Silwan resident

• “This is part of an unfolding Zionist dream,” — Luria, local activist