Israel: Unrecognised but Why?

Introduction

It's been a debateable issue for quite some time in Pakistan as why we should not accept Israel? While we don't recognise Israel, many a Muslim country has accepted its very existence; most of whom have even fought bloody wars with the Jewish state, most surprisingly. The varied viewpoints are so strong that one has to tread a fine line between Yes and No. Some argue as we live in a modern world and have to deal with Jews anyway, let's start business with Israel. Others view our fundamental values opposing no friendship with Jews in the light of Quranic verses. But there is another dimension apart from all this because of which Pakistan is never going to recognise Israel. But first let's see the historical perspective of Israel and Palestine Issue.

Creation and Advancement of the State of Israel

During the WWII, Jews were persecuted by the German dictator, Adolf Hitler who saw the decline of Germany at the hands of Jews. His actions were so horrible that Jews were to be killed on discovery of their existence. Anyone having a soft corner for them was equally detested. Hence around 6 Million Jews were murdered through various ways by Hitler from 1941 to 1945.

It is still astonishing that the then British govt had promised Jews of a separate homeland of their own. The same British who had devastated the Ottoman Empire and played havoc around in the Indian subcontinent were promising the Jews a home according to their aspirations on a land where Palestine already existed. One may ask as why it was so necessary to get them a homeland carved out from the land owned by Palestinian people? The idea of the promised land of Zion was however realised and Jews from around the globe started pouring into Israel on its inception on 14 May 1948. Its creation it didn't go well with its immediate neighbours including Egypt, Jordan and Syria which led to various wars being fought by these countries against Israel in 1948, 1956 and 1973. The underlying notion of the promised land however was well protected by British, American and French while the USSR could hardly provide any plausible assistance to the Arabs. That is why Israel has been expanding its area and carrying out ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. It is however considerable that the rise of Israel is due to its embrace of technology on the basis of which it is developing by leaps and bounds. The ousted Russian Jewish Oligarchs in 1993 came to their promised land and formed part of the technological boom which is why Israel rules the tech-world today.

Relations of Muslim Ummah with Israel

It is worth mentioning that apart from its neighbouring countries including Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon most of the Muslim Ummah has not had a favourable view of Isarael. The antecedent wars it fought assisted by the West did however harm its immediate neighbours leading Egypt and Jordan to accepting Israel. Syria and Iran however, bolstered by Al-Fatah and Hizbollah, have always opposed Israel. Iran is said to be No.1 enemy of Israel however Saudi Arabia, ever since the times of King Faisal, has been soft on Israel at the behest of its good relations with the US/West. Other Muslim countries are ambivalent about either staying the course of non acceptance of Israel or risking potential decline in diplomatic and economic spheres due to the clout Israel has developed in comity of the nations.

Pakistan's Stance on Recognising Israel

Pakistan, being the only declared nuclear Muslim country, is looked upon as a harbinger of Muslim rise in the world. However Pakistan's insecurities, to include cash-strapped economy, Indian hegemonic designs in the region and above all the issue of Kashmir, had forced it to align itself with the West through SEATO and CENTO in the early years. Later on it had to seek help from Saudi Arabia for economic exigencies and has thus far associated itself fully with China for economic and military pursuits. But it has never accepted Israel's existence despite pressures from the West. There is no doubt Pakistan will always negate the existence of Israel because it cannot approve of Israel's actions against Palestinian people. It is for this reason that Pakistan is morally supporting the indigenous Kashmiri struggle against fascist Hindutva doctrine of India. Accepting Israel would simply become a paradox for Pakistan where on one side it would approve of what Israel is doing with Palestinians while on the other raise voice for the oppressed Kashmiris. Due to its deep-rooted principled stance Pakistan will never accept Israel and would support the Palestinian cause even if other Muslim countries continue to recognise Israel.

Implications of Arab-Israel Diplomatic Relations

With the current thaw in relations between few Arab countries and Israel, Pakistan will have to be careful on diplomatic, economic and military fronts. Following aspects need consideration:

A. Pakistan's economy is still under huge stress with depleting foreign exchange reserves and a declining currency. It has to balance out its relations with Arab countries which are hosting expatriate Pakistanis working there for livelihood. Any strain in relations would affect the capital flow and overall economy. Keeping a constant stance as against most of the Arab countries without provoking agitation would prove to be pragmatic.

B. India, already a friendly country of Israel, will try to exert pressure on Pakistan diplomatically and try to get a favourable wink from the world, especially Arab countries, on Kashmir. Therefore Pakistan's responses must be prepared to respond to any situation that arises.

C. With the world suffering economically, Pakistan may not be able to get a positive response on Kashmir since in the aftermath of COVID-19, countries around the globe are looking for rejuvination of economic activities and may not lend an ear to the plight of Kashmiris and Palestinians. Therefore, standing firm on our own stance without compromise and continuous efforts towards a better economic tomorrow should be aimed at.

D. Iran will try to soothe Pakistan on Kashmir because of the coiciding stance on Palestinian issue but that may not be too assuring because Iran has weak diplomatic relations with all world powers in the West. Siding with Iran is also likely not going to make the Saudis happy anyhow.

E. UAE, has recognised Israel which may lead to a possibility of Arab coutries accepting Kashmir as part of India after the abrogation of Article 360 and 35A. It in turn will complicate the issue of Kashmir for Pakistan further. Therefore to keep the Kashmir issue alive, Pakistan must keep the Arab countries on board which are dependent upon Indian work-force employed in these countries.

Concluding Thoughts

 In the longer run Pakistan will have to strike a balance between economic situation, regional issues with its adversary and its principled stance on Palestine. It must roll the dice anyhow and see the reaction from the world. Pakistani Premier has already stated in unambiguous words that Pakistan would not accept Israel till the Palestinian homeland is formed as per the aspirations of its people. To this end, only the steadfast would prevail.