The Impact of Israeli Conversion to Islam on the Palestine-Israel Conflict
The idea of what would happen to the long-standing conflict between Palestine and Israel if all Israelis converted to Islam is a topic that has raised various opinions and discussions. While some may find such a scenario intriguing, others often question the validity of this hypothetical question. This article aims to explore the potential outcomes of such an unlikely scenario and analyze its realistic impact on the conflict.
Are Radical Islamic Factions Less Violent?
Some might argue that the conversion of Israelis to Islam would lead to a significant change in the conflict dynamics, citing the alleged inherent violence within certain Islamic factions towards fellow Muslims. However, reality suggests otherwise. Radical Islamic factions, whether within the same religion or between different factions, have been known to engage in violent conflicts with one another. For instance, the Syrian civil war, which involved numerous factions fighting on both sides, demonstrated the extent of intra-Islamic strife.
Furthermore, the frequency of Islamic conflicts can be alarming. According to studies, there have been instances where Muslims have killed more of their own kind than any other group. These factors suggest that the nature of the conflict on the ground would remain largely unaffected by a hypothetical religious conversion of Israelis to Islam.
A Historical Perspective: Portugal and Spain
To better understand the complex dynamics involved, we can look at historical precedents. Portugal and Spain, during the Inquisition period, forcibly converted Jews to Christianity. Yet, even this severe attempt did not achieve the desired outcome. As an interesting anecdote, a Jewish family in Portugal converted to Christianity to avoid being killed or exiled. On one Friday evening, a local bishop unexpectedly showed up and discovered the family was enjoying a meal with meat, which was forbidden on Fridays according to Christian beliefs. In a clever move, the patriarch of the family shook water over the food and declared everything to be fish. This demonstrates how deeply rooted cultural and religious practices can be, and how conversion can sometimes be performed in a way that maintains them.
Example: A Jewish family in Portugal: conversion to Christianity as the alternative to being killed or exiled.
Theoretical Implications
Let us consider the hypothetical scenario where all Israelis, including Christians, convert to Islam. In such a situation, Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, and other groups would likely achieve their goal of Islamification and rule in the region. These factions, which exist for the purpose of spreading Islamic influence, might dissolve themselves or engage in internal conflicts to exert control. On a broader scale, the legitimacy and accessibility of Christian and Jewish holy sites and institutions in the region could be threatened, leading to their conversion or destruction.
Economic Consequences
A significant economic downturn would ensue. Christian and Jewish countries would dispute ownership of church properties, such as the Church of England, the Church of Scotland, the Vatican, and others. Investment in Israel from foreign entities, particularly those from European countries and religious organizations, would cease. Diaspora Jewish funding for universities, startups, and hospitals in Israel would also dry up, leading to reduced support and innovation.
Additionally, the role of Israel as a leader in science and technology would be challenged. Countries such as Iran and Turkey, which are also made up of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, might see Israel as a competitor in this field. Support from these countries for Israel's development path would diminish, leading to a convergence of economic and social development in Israel similar to that seen in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon over the past 75 years.
Example: Israel’s development path becoming similar to Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon over the past 75 years.
Conclusion
While the hypothetical scenario of all Israelis converting to Islam might be intriguing, it is highly unlikely to bring about major changes in the Palestine-Israel conflict. Historical precedents and the nature of conflict within and between Islamic factions suggest that such a conversion would have limited impact on the ongoing tensions. The fundamental issues remain rooted in political, historical, and cultural factors that extend beyond religious differences.