Would "a smaller" Israel be a more secure Israel?

Question

Hi, I am not Jewish or an Arab myself.
I was thinking the other day, that all this Israeli fight for more secure land, is actually, against Israel's real interests.
I've already stated in another Yahoo! question that to me A Jew is a man (person) of the World.
For thousands of years the Jewish diaspora did wonders in almost every aspect of human living.
Wouldn't a smaller in size Israel, be therefore a more secure and "tight" country? I mean look at Luxembourg or Cyprus.
I don't think agriculture is a strong element for Israel. I bet there are other countries that have the time and people fit for the job.
I kinda think Israel as a touch-base for all Jews around the World. I may be wrong of course but that's how I see this.

Answer 1

of course, arabs dont have a problem with jews in their land, they just want the same rights as everyone else, that includes living side by side with them not as underlings

Answer 2

Luxembourg has never been in a state of war with most of its surrounding neighbours. If it was, it would have been swallowed up long ago.

Cyprus itself is not an independent country and thus it is a bad example (for many reasons).

As Israel's history itself has demonstrated, Israel was in a more perilous position between 1948-1967 when its borders were small as opposed to after 1967.

The main issue from many people's point of view, is that what would it be like if Israel gave over the West Bank etc. for a Palestinian state and the nature of this state was to be completely hostile to Israel? That would be a bigger threat to Israel than the current conditions.

Answer 3

Cyprus is an island, and thus a bad example.
You may be right if Israel were say a pefect circle. However, if you've seen the map of Israel you would know that a smaller version would not be a more secure one. The West Bank is a huge chunk right in the middle of the country; removing it makes Israel dangerously narrow, only several miles wide.It also means that if an army were to break through there, it would effectively divide Israel into two parts. Perhaps more pressing to the current situation, Israel without the West Bank is narrow enough that practically every Jewish neighborhood in Israel is within rocket range of the West Bank. While I understand the theory, in practice a smaller Israel is an Israel in trouble.
As for agriculture, Israel actually does produce a lot. For example, Israel is a world leader in Avocado exports, and is the number one exporter to Europe. Besides for grains Israel also produces quality citrus fruits and melons, as well as being a pioneer in superior irrigation systems. Agriculture was one of the main goals and dreams of the early Zionists, and modern Israel has fulfilled those dreams rather well.

Answer 4

Luxembourg is one of the most indefensible nations in the world. If France and Belgium said to Germany you can take it over they would be controling the entire country in 24 hours. Luxembourg only exists because it has friendly neighbors where as Israel don't share borders with friendly nations. Israel does not have that. Cyprus is an Island nation with issues that have errupted between Greek and Turkish Cypriots http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus and only exists because no one wants to see a War between Greece and Turkey that almost happened when Turkey invaded the Island back in 1974 (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyprus#Turkish_Invasion_.281974.29 ). Cyprus is hardly a model for strong self defense.

Regardless of this I am in favor of a two state solution and due to that I know that an independent Palestine needs to be created out of Greater Israel. So although it will be harder to defend a smaller State of Israel, but its a necessity. They did so from 1948-1967 and they will need to do so again - hopefully if real peace is acheived that will not be an issue.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 5

Very interesting you points you bring up.... however, I believe there needs to be some buffer zone, and a little more spread out Israel to protect the people. If there is a huge bomb and everyone is stuck in one small place, there will be more casualties than if the bomb couldn't hit as many people.
I think Israel should stay the size it is right now.

Answer 6

Israel takes up 0.01% of the middle east.

There are 22 Muslim states.

And you are seriously suggesting that Israel is too LARGE?

You are talking utter rubbish, I'm afraid. Sorry to be so blunt but to propose that a tiny sliver of land like Israel should become even smaller reveals such a total lack of understanding about the situation.

May I suggest this: before engaging us in debate about Israel again, perhaps you'd like to gem up on the actual facts? Then at least you can make informed comments.

Answer 7

With all due respect, I'm not sure you know what you're talking about.

For one, Israel can't really get any smaller. If you zoom out on a world map, you can't even see Israel.
Two, agriculture is huge in Israel for many reasons, but also because they make use of everything. Smaller Israel means smaller land to farm anyways.

Answer 8

It is a touch-base for Jews. It talks about it in the Bible.
I know Jewish Americans Christians that try to go there every year.

Answer 9

Certainly not.

A Palestinian state would make Israel indefensible. This is somthing that must not come about.

Answer 10

Israel is tiny as it is. Making it any smaller would be suicidal in the event of war.

And you may not have noticed, Israel is surrounded by enemies who make no effort to hide their desire to destroy Israel and disperse or kill its citizens.


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Answer 11

How small do you want the country to be? I do not agree.