No, pro Palestinian leftists, Israel is not committing genocide

[Martin Eden]

75. Are "cultural differences" the distinction between Israeli Palestinians and those in the West Bank and Gaza?

Certainly not the baseline of Arab Muslims living in Palestine before it became Israel.

Subcultures do of course form as mostly homogeneous groups are separated and live in radically different circumstances. The point is that that Palestinians in Gaza and a significant percent in the West Bank will not be trusted by the Israeli government to blend in peacefully within Israeli society, and for good reason.

Generations of bloody conflict between two peoples who want the same land for themselves have rendered the relationship intractable. It is too easy for a few bad actors on either side to derail progress towards peace.

Israel was established to be the Jewish State, the nature of which excludes the acceptance of any potential for Jews to become a minority in their homeland. It was not created to be a melting pot.

I'm old enough to remember the wars of 1967 and 1973. Desire for the land between the river and the sea still burns in too many hearts.

I have not applied the term "genocide" for this conflict, because it does not compare to what inflicted upon the Jewish people during the Holocaust. I don't doubt some bad actors use that term to inflame divisions, but I do not apply such ill intent to all who use it. Millions of people around the world are utterly appalled at the slaughter and humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

The only side I'm rooting for is peace, security, and humanity for all involved.

Sadly, I do not expect peace and reconciliation happening in the foreseeable future.