Nir Cohen is a reservist in the Israeli army who fought in the Gaza Strip until recently and is certain: war cannot solve the conflict. He wants to talk about paths to peace – right now.
When Nir Avishai Cohen returned from the Middle East war after nearly three months as a reserve major in the Israeli army, he wrote a message on Instagram that some people didn’t like: “I pray that this terrible war ends,” it read. And: “Even the strongest army in the world cannot protect the country like peace can.”
Afterwards he had to endure a lot of insults and even death threats. Since then, he has become a little more careful when he goes out on the street: “I pay more attention to my surroundings when I’m on the street. I often have a weapon with me because I’m afraid that someone will attack me,” he says. At the same time, he doesn’t stop posting:
I say what I have to say. I am aware that I am exposed to some risk, but I do what I have to do.
“No election after October 7th”
It is not the case that Cohen only believes that peace between Israelis and Palestinians is finally needed since the Middle East war. A little over a year ago he published a book with the provocative title “Love Israel, Support Palestine.” On the other hand: He is not a pacifist either.
When he was called to duty, there was no doubt in his mind that he was going to this war: “After the terrible Hamas massacre on October 7th, Israel had no choice but to start this war.” At the same time, he believes that the war was avoidable in advance: “We could have found a solution with the Palestinian Authority before October 7th. After that, we had no choice.” But after three months this war was to end. “Every day I think that the war continues, that it’s not getting us anywhere and that it’s costing too much blood on both sides.”
“Soldiers defend Netanyahu’s political career”
It is quite possible that he will soon be called up again as a commander in his infantry unit. But until then, Cohen is taking to the streets and helping to organize protests against the war.
The 43-year-old knows well that he still belongs to a minority. But, he says, more and more Israelis want the war to end and for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finally take responsibility: “Netanyahu knows that when this war ends, his political career ends too. From his point of view, this war can So last forever.”
More and more people understand that the war has become political these days. One that is about Netanyahu’s survival and not Israel’s defense or the release of hostages. “The soldiers fighting in Gaza right now are not fighting to defend Israel, they are defending Netanyahu’s political career.”
“Palestinians are my neighbors”
A few days ago, Cohen and his colleagues took to the streets in Tel Aviv, and further demonstrations are planned. He places hope above all in the pressure from outside – from the USA and also from Germany – to think about a solution for the time afterwards. “Of course war is not the solution. The permanent solution is a peace agreement between us and the Palestinians.” He is clearly talking about the Palestinian Authority and not Hamas.
“The Palestinians are not my enemy, they are my neighbors.” For Cohen it is clear that the only way is the two-state solution. “It sounds crazy, but I really hope that this war leads to peace between us and the Palestinians.”
Cohen calls for new government
Netanyahu has made it clear again and again in the last few days that this will not happen with him. That’s why, Cohen says, Israel needs a new government. And of course Hamas in the Gaza Strip must also be overthrown. Because there will be no peace with her either. He wants to continue fighting for both. On the streets of Israel – and, if necessary, in the Gaza Strip.
Jan-Christoph Kitzler, ARD Tel Aviv, tagesschau, January 20, 2024 8:16 a.m