Is Israel's Vision of 'Greater Israel' Threatening Palestinian Statehood? Congress Raises Alarm
Congress Criticizes Israel's Actions Amid Ongoing Conflict
New Delhi: On Saturday, the Congress party expressed concerns that Israel is advancing its agenda for a 'Greater Israel' amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia, effectively undermining the prospects for a Palestinian state. They criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence regarding Israel's actions in the West Bank.
Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary responsible for communications, pointed out that it has been 28 days since the onset of US-Israel airstrikes on Iran and the subsequent Iranian response.
Ramesh noted that during the past month, while global attention has been focused on the Strait of Hormuz and the energy sector in Gulf nations, Israel has (i) intensified its attacks on Gaza; (ii) initiated efforts to establish a significant buffer zone in southern Lebanon; and (iii) taken substantial measures to solidify its annexation of the West Bank into a permanent occupation.
He emphasized that the current conflict in West Asia is providing a pretext for Israel to pursue its vision of Greater Israel, effectively extinguishing any hopes for a Palestinian state.
Ramesh highlighted that the US-Israel bombardment of Iran commenced just two days after Modi's visit to Israel. He pointed out that prior to Modi's arrival, the Israeli cabinet had approved land registration in approximately half of the occupied West Bank for the first time since 1967.
This decision could result in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. However, Ramesh criticized Modi for lacking the courage to confront his ally, Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Congress party had previously condemned Modi's visit to Israel last month, especially as the country continued its relentless attacks on civilians in Gaza.
The opposition party accused the Modi administration of making insincere statements regarding its support for the Palestinian cause while effectively abandoning them.
Ramesh reiterated that Israel's actions have led to the dispossession and displacement of numerous Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, which has drawn widespread international condemnation.