Yitzhak Rabin’s 1973 proposal to move Palestinian refugees from Gaza to Jordan highlights early solutions to ongoing territorial and refugee disputes. He aimed for a gradual population shift while considering the socio-political complexities between Israel, Gaza, and Jordan. Despite its historical roots, this idea resonates in current discussions about the refugee crisis and regional instability.
Moshe Phillips, a pro-Israel activist and author, points out that in 1973, Yitzhak Rabin, then Israel’s ambassador in Washington, suggested transferring Palestinian Arab refugees from Gaza to Jordan. This proposal arose during an interview with the Israeli daily Ma’ariv, where Rabin stated that the refugee issue should not be resolved in Gaza but primarily on the East Bank, referring to Jordan. He aimed to facilitate a gradual population movement over the next couple of decades, ideally through King Hussein of Jordan, rather than through Yasser Arafat.
Rabin’s earlier comments should not be misconstrued as advocating for ethnic cleansing or racism; rather, they reflected a practical approach to an ongoing conflict. The problem stemmed from Egypt’s occupation of Gaza from 1948 to 1967, during which the Egyptian government kept the Gazans impoverished and utilized them for terrorist activities against Israel. This neglect from Egypt perpetuated the cycle of poverty and violence that Israel inherited following the Six-Day War.
Despite Rabin’s clear rationale for relocating the refugee population, his advice went unheeded. Gazans remained in Gaza, leading to ongoing attacks against Israel and the eventual election of Hamas in 2007. The continuing hostility culminated in tragic events such as the attacks on October 7, 2023.
Rabin viewed Jordan as a suitable location for Gazan refugees because of the shared history, culture, language, and religion of Palestinians in both regions. However, King Hussein’s prior experiences with the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) made him cautious about accepting more Palestinians. After the PLO’s tactics caused insurrection in Jordan, particularly during what became known as Black September in 1970, Hussein resolved to expel them, resulting in the relocation of thousands to Syria.
Current King Abdullah may be reluctant to absorb Gazans due to historical context, yet he might still consider accepting regular civilians while excluding militant elements, similar to how Jordan previously accommodated Syrian refugees. The ongoing discussions surrounding this potential plan reflect an intricate geopolitical environment. Notably, the idea proposed by Trump, while previously labeled as partisan, bears resemblance to Rabin’s vision nearly fifty years ago.
In summary, Yitzhak Rabin’s 1973 suggestion to move Gaza’s Arabs to Jordan was based on pragmatic considerations stemming from historical conflicts. His perspectives illustrate the complexities of regional demographics and the long-standing challenges Israel faces regarding terrorism and refugee crises. The ongoing debate about this issue shows that solutions proposed decades ago remain relevant today, underscoring the necessity for effective policy discussions moving forward.
Original Source: israel365news.com
