Smoke billows following Israeli strikes in Gaza City, October 11. PHOTO: REUTERS

Abraham plan: The Zionist design for a ‘greater’ Israel

Palestine's perpetual instability aligns with a longstanding plan of inserting a larger foreign presence in the region

Shrouq Tariq October 13, 2023

Once again, cries, protests, and shouts of innocent people who had nothing to do with the war were heard emanating from Gaza and Israel as Hamas and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intensified their attacks in recent days.

­­The surprise incursion by Hamas fighters into the heavily fortified Israeli border on October 7th exposed a significant vulnerability. Despite Israel’s formidable assets, including the Iron Dome, a robust military, advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, and the Pegasus spyware, the ease with which Hamas attacked raised questions about the situation.

The ‘math’ is not ‘mathing’ here, but let me explain why this is happening.

First, Hamas’ current retaliation does not appear to be entirely spontaneous. It’s crucial to delve into the origins of Hamas to comprehend this situation. Surprisingly, Israel, in collaboration with Sheikh Yassin, the spiritual leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement, brought Hamas into existence. This organisation was nurtured in the dire conditions of Gaza and initially received support or, at the very least, was not hindered by the Israelis. It was only later that Israel recognised that Hamas would not replace the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), which reveals the true motivations behind the creation of Hamas in the first place.

Secondly, the sudden bombardment of strikes was the need of the hour for Israel, especially with the elections looming. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to demonstrate to his constituents that he could lead a successful military campaign, as he had often been depicted as a leader who struggled to engage in or win wars. Simultaneously, Israel was experiencing internal divisions, with a quasi-civil conflict erupting following the government’s judicial overhaul. This conflict is now being exploited as a means to unite the population.

The goal, however, is more significant than elections or winning people’s hearts. Israel wanted to achieve what it could not achieve after its creation in 1848 and the wars it fought with the Arabs. Initially, the aim was a small piece of land 75 years ago, but now the purpose is a ‘greater’ Israel. That is the third reason for what is happening today.

To gain sole control over Gaza, Israel sought to relocate Palestinians to the Sinai region, and the current escalation was the best opportunity. This plan seemed nearly within reach during the aftermath of the Arab Spring, as Muhammad Morsi, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, was on the verge of striking a deal with the support of America and Israel to transfer Sinai to the Palestinians. In return, this agreement entailed receiving substantial financial aid and forgiving all external debt. Nevertheless, this vision ultimately remained unrealised during that period.

Fine, but why and what’s next?

Israel is not immediately moving into Gaza because such action could trigger a guerrilla war and result in the loss of many more lives. Instead, they are likely choosing a more advantageous position to negotiate the release of their hostages from Hamas. Their approach might involve using the “land for humans” strategy rather than the “man for man” approach.

Israel has issued a widespread appeal for all parties to step back. It has conveyed diplomatic and military warnings to Syria, Lebanon and Egypt through both official channels and the media, cautioning against any interference in the ongoing conflict and emphasising that there will be repercussions.

Israel also has its allies alongside it as the United States has deployed a carrier strike group led by the world’s largest warship, USS Gerald R Ford, to the Eastern Mediterranean in response to the unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel, which is enough firepower to rival entire nations. The carrier can operate for 25 years without a refuel. Aircraft onboard the carrier include F-35 stealth fighter jets, which cost around $100 million each and carry radar-guided missiles and laser-guided bombs, along with attack helicopters and tactical surveillance aircraft.

The West stands united while the Arabs are characterised by a spectrum of stances, with some nations supporting Israel, some favouring Palestine, some condemning Hamas, and others refraining from doing so. This diversity in positions aligns with what some perceive as the Zionist strategy to establish a greater Israel.

What is happening in Palestine dates back to history and was planned all along. Yes, you read it right!

The ongoing situation in the Middle East, particularly Palestine, has historical roots that extend back to the Campbell-Bannerman document. According to the initial segment of the “Malaf Watha’iq Felastin” (Palestine Documents Dossier), published by the Ministry of Culture and National Guidance in Egypt in 1969 during Gamal Abdel Nasser’s leadership, this document reveals the existence of a confidential “colonial conference” held in London between 1905 and 1907, instigated by the British Conservative Party.

The document implies that ‘western experts’ perceived the creation of an external entity, later becoming Israel, in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly in Palestine, as a strategy to establish a strategic foothold for safeguarding western interests, destabilising the region, and thwarting its reunification. Some scholars have contended that regardless of the document’s authenticity, these actions align with what has transpired in reality.

Despite the Middle East’s apparent weaknesses, disarray and divisions, it possesses all the essential components for a potential revival. Its inhabitants share a common language, religion and abundant natural resources, while numerous sects, beliefs and languages exist in Europe.

Geographically, the Middle East is a pivotal crossroads, linking Europe to the north, Africa to the south, the Indian subcontinent to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the west. It holds strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Gibraltar, and the Suez Canal, which have the potential to impact global trade significantly.

What is unfolding in Palestine today appears to align with a longstanding plan: establishing a grander foreign presence in the region, namely Israel, and the deliberate perpetuation of regional instability. The critical missing element for the Middle East’s progress is effective leadership, and it seems there are forces at work to keep the region deprived of this very factor.

WRITTEN BY:
Shrouq Tariq

The writer is an Egyptian/ Pakistani research associate focusing on Middle East affairs and International Relations, with an MPhil degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. She tweets @shrouqtariq

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

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