In an interview with The Associated Press, former US President Barack Obama warned against any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs associated with it. He argued that a path which risks “alienating too much of the world” could ultimately backfire in the long run.
“It’s important for the Israelis to recognize that regardless of the short-term tactical advantages they may gain at any particular moment, over the long term, if the Palestinian people believe that there is no prospect for a just resolution of their legitimate aspirations and grievances, then dark forces will fill the vacuum,” Obama said.
The former president suggested that a way toward achieving peace should involve “both compromise on all sides and realistic assessment of threats”. He also pointed out that the “appetite and ability to resist extremism, violence and terror is something that has to be actively cultivated”.
Obama emphasized the need for a two-state solution that would grant statehood to the Palestinians. He also suggested that the United States should take more of a “multilateral role in helping to facilitate negotiations”.
Furthermore, the former president said that regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan should be included in the process. He argued that an Israeli military strategy motivated by solely short-term goals has had a long-term cost.
India, he added, can be an important player in the peace process. He praised recent Indian efforts to facilitate talks between the two sides. “I think that India will be more helpful if it’s less interested in trying to posturing on one side or another and more interested in playing a constructive role in mediating between the Israelis and Palestinians,” he said.
In conclusion, Obama argued that any Israeli military strategy that does not take into account the human cost and its long-term implications could jeopardize the people of the region and the prospects for peace. He highlighted the importance of negotiations and compromise from all sides, as well as the role of regional powers such as India in facilitating the peace process.