A zero-state solution?
Lessons learned from South Africa's path away from apartheid
Australia as the PM said isn't a main player in the Middle East. And even after today, after our government recognising Palestine, Israel will ignore us even more. Hamas might even claim a victory, but they know it is of no import. Besides Hamas is hardly talking to us either.
Neither side will change their resolve because of Australia’s actions today.
Because right now, we are in an exact frame by frame remake of the world protesting apartheid. Which South Africa then, same as Israel now, steadfastly ignored.
We’ve had protests, sanctions against right-wing Israeli ministers, conversations with President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu, boycotts, social media protests, etc. Even ensuring non-lethal weapons parts aren’t exported won’t change Israel’s mind. They will simply supply them from another country. And in that lies the potential solution.
Because South Africa had no choice then but to engage. And the clue lies in an obscure film called End Game (2009) which I reluctantly watched ten or so years ago. Which detailed secret talks held in England between the African National Congress and the South African government. Which was part of the process (there were many other facets however) that led to the end of apartheid.
Who had brought these parties together? A mining executive named Michael Young.
What was the reason? Disinvestment. Shareholder activism at that time was ensuring money was flowing out of South Africa. And that hurt the country. Meaning Francesca Albanese’s recent statements about the world and Israel were correct.
And while disinvestment is the key, that was only the first part.
Because both parties whether ANC and the ruling National party negotiated with an end in mind. Because right now, both Hamas and Israel are locked instead in a doom-loop of hell with only one result: a zero-state solution. The present ruling coalition is effectively run by right-wing parties who won’t compromise. Even the recent move to invade Gaza City isn’t enough for them.
Meaning they can’t negotiate. And how did South Africa move toward reform? By changing the President: FW De Klerk stepped in for the incapacitated PW Botha. As was said, you change the government, you change the country.
As happened with South Africa, change only occurred when the government changed and reached out to the ANC.
So, the second part required is a change of government in Israel: whether through elections or as South Africa later chose: a government of national unity: dedicated to peace in Gaza, the West Bank and beyond. Otherwise, the zero-state solution is upon us. And there isn’t much time left.
And thirdly as detailed in End Game, the moderates in the ANC (there were elements still at war), responded and began the process for peace. And whatever people say, that isn’t Hamas. So, Gaza needs a government that is truly representative and is prepared to do whatever it takes to gain peace. Because as the ANC found out: war isn’t the answer.