February 27, 2025|כ"ט שבט ה' אלפים תשפ"ה From Fringe to Mainstream: The Growing Resonance of Rabbi Kahane’s Ideas in Israeli Society By Rabbi Jonathan Muskat

Once dismissed as fringe and inflammatory, Rabbi Meir Kahane’s ideas about transferring Palestinians out of Israel are now gaining traction in mainstream Israeli society. Why? A nation that once clung to the hope of peace through coexistence now grapples with the bitter realities of repeated violence, deep distrust, and an uncertain future. As support for these ideas surges, it forces a difficult question: Are we witnessing a necessary recalibration of Israeli policy, or the erosion of democratic ideals?

For decades, many Israelis supported the two-state solution, believing that economic incentives and international pressure could encourage Palestinians to embrace peaceful coexistence. The peace treaty with Egypt—a nation that had once been Israel’s fiercest enemy—provided a blueprint for optimism. If peace was possible with Egypt, why not with the Palestinians? Even amidst waves of terrorist attacks and relentless rocket fire from Gaza, Israelis clung to the hope that time, diplomacy, and goodwill would prevail.

That hope has eroded. The horrifying murders of October 7th, coupled with a growing sense of vulnerability, have led to a fundamental shift in Israeli perspectives. The optimism of the past has been replaced by an unflinching demand for security and a deep skepticism about Palestinian intentions. While Israel has been fortunate to suffer fewer casualties in recent years, the fear of large-scale atrocities looms larger than ever.

Three major shifts in the national psyche underline this transformation:

1. Intolerance for Intermittent Attacks: Israelis increasingly reject the notion that sporadic violence is an acceptable price for coexistence. The demand for total security has become a non-negotiable priority, as citizens seek to live normal lives free from fear.
2. Heightened Fear of Catastrophic Violence: The specter of large-scale attacks has intensified the public’s sense of vulnerability. Events like October 7th serve as chilling reminders of what could happen if Israel’s enemies gain the upper hand.
3. Deep Distrust of Palestinians: Even among left-leaning Israelis, there is widespread acknowledgment that Palestinian society is not prepared to accept the existence of a Jewish state. This distrust makes any partnership based on mutual trust seem impossible until there is a radical transformation within Palestinian society.

The question now is how to move forward. Transfer is one option, but it remains controversial and fraught with ethical, legal, and practical challenges. It’s unclear whether mainstream Israeli society views it as the only solution, but there is a growing consensus that the current approach is untenable.

In the absence of a viable two-state solution, alternative strategies are emerging. Egypt and other moderate Arab states have proposed a "day after" plan, which may involve robust enforcement mechanisms led by trusted international partners working in Israel’s interest. Such plans aim to address Israel’s immediate security concerns while laying the groundwork for a longer-term resolution. However, any proposal that places Palestinians in charge of security is met with widespread skepticism. Furthermore, any plan with a built-in two-state solution in the foreseeable future is equally unrealistic for this generation of Palestinians, who have been indoctrinated with the belief that resistance against Israel is the only option and that murdering Jewish babies is justified because they will become members of the IDF one day. Without a complete overhaul of Palestinian education systems and societal attitudes—including an end to the glorification of terrorism—no solution, two-state or otherwise, can succeed.

Simply dismissing Rabbi Kahane’s ideas as racist or extremist is no longer an effective counterargument. The shifting realities on the ground have brought his views into the mainstream, not because Israelis inherently support them, but because they see no better alternatives. To prevent his ideas from becoming the default solution, Israeli leaders and international allies must grapple with the harsh truths of today and propose realistic, actionable plans that ensure security while fostering long-term change.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. One thing is clear: no other plan that addresses Israeli fears, ensures security, and reflects the hard truths about Palestinian society has yet been proposed. Without such a plan, the growing support for Rabbi Kahane’s views and his solutions will eventually become the only viable option for mainstream Israelis.