For decades, Israeli policy was guided by a powerful assumption: land could be exchanged for peace.

Territory in exchange for recognition.Withdrawal in exchange for quiet.Concessions in exchange for legitimacy.

This framework became central during the era of Yitzhak Rabin and shaped Israeli strategic thinking for a generation. It was not rooted in weakness, but in aspiration. After decades of war and isolation, Israelis sought normalization and regional acceptance.

The return of the Sinai Peninsula produced a lasting peace with Egypt. Negotiations with Jordan followed. The Oslo Accords framed territorial compromise as the pathway to resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

For years, the underlying belief was clear: flexibility would reduce friction, and reduced friction would lower........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)