Military HuB

SHOULD PAK ACCEPT ISRAEL
1. Abraham Accord between Israel, USA & UAE, primarily regarding the acceptance of Israel, brokered by departing Trump administration in the year 2020, set the precedent for other Arab, Muslim states to follow suit, including Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, and more set to follow.
2. In the wake of this, Pakistan was rumored as an eligible contender stirring a debate that questioned its pro-Palestinian stance, and rejection of the state of Israel. Eventually, curbing foreign pressure, the Pakistani government declined the idea of such an endeavor and re-established that Pakistan would maintain a traditional policy towards Israel.
3. Pakistan and Israel are often referred to as ‘‘ideological twins’’ because both were created on the basis of religious ideology and identity.
4. Pakistan’s rejection of recognizing Israel comes from, firstly, its founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s stance that Pakistan shouldn’t recognize Israel unless it gave freedom to the Palestinians, and also his belief that Pakistan would tender co-operation to all nations struggling for freedom.
5. Secondly, it is due to its Islamic identity that obligates solidarity with its Muslim brethren (Ummah) thus the widely held sympathies for the Palestinians and the prominent resentment towards Israel.
6. Thirdly, it is linked to the Al Aqsa Mosque, and the Holy City of Jerusalem which is ideologically important to all Abrahamic religions.
7. Pakistan shouldn’t run to accept Israel. In Pakistan, some argue that accepting Israel would be best in the national interest of the country. It is thought that normalization would even result in improved ties with the United States. Pakistan over the years has learnt neutrality and to skillfully balance between powers for survival. Therefore, Islamabad has nothing to lose by maintaining its traditional policy towards Israel.
8. Moreover, Pakistan has more to gain from China, and should not risk any hostility from Iran. Normalizing with Israel will bring limited benefits. It will also become a source of anarchy within the country.
9. Pakistan can’t trust Israel and should wait a few years and observe how normalization turns out for its Arab brethren. Additionally, it is wishful thinking that by establishing ties Pakistan will be able to achieve something for the Palestinians; in fact, it will be able to achieve as much as Egypt, Jordan, or Turkey have since their deals which is not much.
10. If Pakistan accepts Israel, it’s stance on Kashmir would be mere hypocrisy and Pakistan will be left with no moral grounds to support the cause. If it is thought that Pakistan can extract a favorable solution to Kashmir through a deal, or debt relief, etcetera, it is naïve and wrong. The US and Israel have strategic partnerships with India, they won’t go against India’s wishes (a counter-weight to China’s growing influence), and wouldn’t desire a strong self-sufficient Pakistan.
11. With the shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world, Pakistan should seek to stay closer to China, whilst keeping a consistent policy with the US and the Middle East. This is because Pakistan’s long-term interests lie with China.
12. In conclusion, Pakistan is heading in the right direction for the time being by maintaining a traditional stance regarding Israel. Pakistan should not establish relations with Israel unless a just settlement is reached with the Palestinians.