Raslan Abu Rukun | Israel’s right to exist critical to peace in the Middle East

For the past year, Israel has found itself in an increasingly complex and difficult conflict, battling Iran’s proxies — primarily the terrorist organisations Hamas and Hezbollah. These groups represent extreme ideologies and serve as instruments of Iranian influence in the Middle East. In the past months, this situation has escalated into direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, highlighting the enduring tensions that have simmered for years.

For decades, two parallel geostrategic tracks have shaped the region of the Middle East: one of destruction and another of peace.

The first, a destructive path, has been driven by the Ayatollah regime in Iran. This regime’s strategy has been to export its extremist ideology across the Middle East by intervening in and destabilising the internal politics of its nations. Iran’s goal is to expand its influence while actively seeking the destruction of Israel. To achieve this, Tehran has provided unwavering support and financing to its proxies throughout the Arab world — from Hezbollah in Lebanon to Hamas in Gaza, from Syria to Yemen and Iraq.

Further, their strategy to attack Israel from the borders of neighbouring countries comes without any consideration for the security, stability or welfare of those nations. For instance, since the beginning of the war, Hezbollah has launched thousands of rockets toward Israel, in complete disregard for the well-being of the Lebanese people.

SECOND TRACK

The second track is, one of peace, stability, and cooperation, led by Israel and a coalition of moderate Arab states. In addition to long-standing peace agreements with Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994), four years ago, the Abraham Accords ushered in a new era of normalisation between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco. These agreements created a framework for regional stability and economic collaboration, laying the groundwork for a new Middle East.

Just before the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, there was promising progress toward normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, these attacks not only caused tremendous loss and suffering, but also succeeded in halting that peace process, if only temporarily.

Now, as we find ourselves in a war imposed upon us, our immediate goal is clear: to bring home the 101 kidnapped Israelis, to restore security and stability to our northern and southern borders, and to ensure peace for all citizens of Israel. Despite the darkness of these times, we still believe in peace.

The road to peace remains possible – also with the Palestinians – when their leadership is ready to recognise Israel’s right to exist and engage in direct negotiations. Peace cannot be achieved through UN resolutions or inflammatory rhetoric. It must come through dialogue, respect for mutual rights, and the courage to move beyond hate.

Peace is not just a hope, it is an imperative. We owe it to future generations to continue working for it, no matter how distant it may seem today.

Raslan Abu Rukun is the ambassador of Israel to the Dominican Republic and a non-resident ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, Haiti, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com