Israeli election: As left campaigns, peace with Palestinians seen as a risky proposal

Israeli election: As left campaigns, peace with Palestinians seen as a risky proposal Israeli left-wing parties, including the newly formed Democrats, launched their election campaign in late July, focusing on dismantling the hard-right government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At a rally held in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square, a symbolic location linked to past efforts to advance peace, the party’s leaders emphasized reversing judicial reforms, curbing Jewish extremist violence against Palestinians, and establishing a commission to investigate the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack. Despite these pledges, discussions of direct peace talks with the Palestinians were conspicuously absent, reflecting a broader reluctance among Israeli politicians to prioritize reconciliation with the Arab population. The absence of explicit calls for peace with the Palestinians marks a sharp departure from the traditional stance of the Israeli left, which historically championed negotiations for two independent states. The current electoral climate, shaped by the trauma of the October 7 attack and the subsequent Gaza war, has shifted public sentiment significantly. Polls indicate that only 25% of Jewish Israelis now support a two-state solution, compared to nearly 50% before the attack. A September 2025 survey by the Israel Democracy Institute revealed that 78% of Jewish respondents believe a Palestinian state does not serve Israel’s national interests. This ideological pivot is evident even among former advocates of peace. Efrat Tolkowsky, a lecturer at Reichman University and former city councilor representing the left-leaning Meretz party, now part of the Democrats, has distanced herself from the party’s platform. She once supported Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, believing it might lead to improved relations with the Palestinians. However, the October 7 attack and the international backlash following the Gaza war have reshaped her perspective. She argues that the Palestinians continue to define themselves through ongoing conflict, making meaningful peace unlikely under current conditions. Netanyahu, meanwhile, continues to hold firm on his policies, insisting that Israel will not retreat from areas under its control in Gaza until Hamas fully disarms. His position aligns with a broader nationalist narrative that frames Palestinian statehood as a threat to Israeli security. Recently, he rejected an appeal from former U.S. president Donald Trump to resume a Gaza ceasefire, risking diplomatic tensions but reinforcing his domestic base. For Netanyahu, maintaining power requires avoiding perceived concessions to Hamas, even as the cost of prolonged conflict grows increasingly dire. The Democratic Party’s leaders, while still advocating for eventual peace, frame their goals as long-term aspirations rather than immediate objectives. They emphasize the need to dismantle Netanyahu’s government, which they accuse of undermining democratic institutions and escalating hostilities. Yet, the lack of concrete plans for dialogue with the Palestinians suggests that the party’s focus remains on political realignment rather than reconciliation. This cautious approach mirrors broader trends within Israeli society, where fear of further violence and skepticism toward Palestinian intentions have taken precedence over idealistic visions of coexistence. The upcoming election, scheduled for early November, will likely determine whether the Israeli left can reclaim its historical role as a proponent of peace. With voter concerns centered on security and governance, the prospect of engaging in serious negotiations with the Palestinians appears distant. Meanwhile, the Palestinian leadership, represented by figures such as the top Palestinian diplomat cited in Bloomberg News, argues that changing Israeli policies, not merely its leadership, is essential for achieving lasting peace. Their call underscores the deep divide that persists between the two sides, complicating prospects for resolution.