Does Israel Have a Right to Exist?

The notion of a state's right to exist is only ever used for Israel and for no other state. Why is that? Who grants a state the right to exist?

The assertion of Israel's "right to exist" is a complex and contentious issue, interwoven with historical, political, and legal dimensions. And this question is front and center given what is now taking place in Palestine. Israel's right to exist is a politically charged assertion rather than a legally defined right. We are thus witnessing the broader struggles over national identity, sovereignty, and recognition.

The ongoing debates surrounding this issue highlight the complexities of international relations and the deeply rooted historical realities that shape legitimacy of nationhood.

Many view the existence of Israel as a reflection of Jewish self-determination, while others see it as a state that exists through the disfranchisement of the Palestinians, that is, the original inhabitants of what was once called the Holy Land. This dichotomy fuels ongoing tensions, the violence and undermines arguments about peace and coexistence in the region.

While Israel exists as a recognized state with significant international relations, the question of its right to exist remains deeply intertwined with issues of justice, historical grievances, and the inhumane treatment of the Palestinians.

This video explores historical, philosophical, ethical and legal implications of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, within the context of statehood.