Summary of The Lawfare Podcast Episode: "Lawfare Archive: Natan Sachs on Israeli Anti-solutionism"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Lawfare Archive: Natan Sachs on Israeli Anti-solutionism
• Host: The Lawfare Institute
• Release Date: June 28, 2025
• Description: This episode delves into the concept of anti-solutionism within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, featuring an in-depth conversation between Lawfare Editor in Chief Ben Wittes and Natan Sachs, a Fellow in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution.

1. Introduction to the Episode

Mary Ford sets the stage for the episode by highlighting the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the lack of significant progress toward a sustained peace despite renewed efforts for ceasefires and hostage deals. She introduces the archival conversation from December 5, 2015, between Ben Wittes and Natan Sachs, focusing on anti-solutionism as a strategic approach in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Notable Quote:

Mary Ford [02:53]: "...almost two years into the Israel Hamas war, the needle seems to have moved very little in the direction of a sustained peace."

2. Understanding Anti-solutionism

Natan Sachs articulates the concept of anti-solutionism, describing it as a strategic mindset prevalent among the Israeli right-wing factions. Contrary to being dismissive of solutions outright, anti-solutionism reflects a belief that current realities render meaningful resolutions unfeasible in the near future. This perspective is termed "strategic conservatism."

Notable Quote:

Natan Sachs [06:14]: "I'm going to shock you and say that I don't come from the Israeli right. ... they're not evil, they're not crazy, literally crazy. So what are they thinking?"

3. Strategic Conservatism in Israeli Politics

Sachs explains that what may appear as a lack of a long-term national security agenda is, in fact, a deliberate strategy rooted in the belief that Israel currently has no viable solutions to its challenges. This "strategic conservatism" aims to manage the conflict rather than resolve it, maintaining the status quo as the most pragmatic approach under existing conditions.

Notable Quote:

Natan Sachs [08:16]: "To my mind it's the most likely outcome in the foreseeable future and most certainly the most likely alternative to a two state solution."

4. Spectrum of Views within the Israeli Right

The discussion reveals a broad spectrum of opinions within the Israeli right, ranging from those who support various forms of a two-state solution (albeit with significant reservations) to those advocating for alternative frameworks like permanent autonomy for Palestinians or even considering the historical notion of "Jordan as Palestine."

Notable Quote:

Natan Sachs [09:02]: "...some of them would say the PLO should have won in 1970 and then Jordan would have been Palestine."

5. Netanyahu’s Stance and Anti-solutionism

Netanyahu is portrayed as embodying anti-solutionism through his focus on managing rather than resolving the conflict. Sachs suggests that while Netanyahu publicly supports a two-state solution, his actions often reflect a cautious and pessimistic approach, prioritizing the preservation of Israel's current strategic options over pursuing comprehensive peace.

Notable Quote:

Natan Sachs [13:31]: "...on most days he's more of an anti solutionist. ... extreme caution, extreme pessimism, extreme kind of anti solutionism."

6. Managing the Conflict vs. Seeking Resolution

Anti-solutionism is further characterized as a conflict management strategy, where the goal is to sustain the status quo amidst the complexities and evolving dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian landscape. Sachs argues that this approach is based on a pragmatic assessment that current efforts to force a resolution may exacerbate tensions and result in greater instability.

Notable Quote:

Natan Sachs [12:58]: "...there is no solution in the foreseeable future to the Israeli Palestinian problem, and by trying to force it you are creating the havoc of the last 20 years."

7. Critique of the Status Quo

Sachs critiques the notion that maintaining the status quo is a sustainable strategy. He identifies three key reasons why this approach is flawed:

1. Misrepresentation of Status Quo: Efforts like settlement expansions aren't genuinely preserving the status quo but are rather attempts to undermine the viability of a two-state solution.
2. Time Constraints: Both Israeli and Palestinian leaderships face diminishing time windows due to internal disarray and growing international isolation, making indefinite status quo maintenance untenable.
3. Strategic Options Closed: Actions taken under the guise of preserving the status quo often preclude future policy flexibility, thereby reducing strategic options.

Notable Quote:

Natan Sachs [20:41]: "...it is not truly a status quo approach. ... it's one that needs to preclude a two state solution."

8. Conclusion and Insights

The conversation concludes with Sachs reflecting on his evolving perspective. While engaging deeply with the Israeli right's strategic mindset has fostered a degree of respect for their long-term thinking, he remains critical of their lack of viable long-term solutions. Sachs underscores the urgent need for Israeli leadership to articulate a clear and sustainable vision for the future, questioning where Israel aims to be by its centennial in 2048.

Notable Quote:

Natan Sachs [24:18]: "...the answers that I get, including the anti solutionist argument are so glaringly wanting in dealing with what is a crucial fundamental question for Israel in the long term..."

Key Takeaways

• Anti-solutionism vs. Solutionism: Anti-solutionism isn't a rejection of solutions per se but a strategic choice to manage an intractable conflict without relying on foreseeable resolutions.

• Strategic Conservatism: This approach emphasizes maintaining the status quo to preserve strategic options, albeit sometimes at the expense of genuine conflict resolution.

• Nuanced Political Spectrum: The Israeli right encompasses a wide range of views, some of which inadvertently align with or oppose certain left-wing ideologies, complicating the simplistic left-right dichotomy.

• Sustainability of Status Quo: Maintaining the status quo is increasingly seen as unsustainable due to internal and external pressures, necessitating a re-evaluation of long-term strategies.

• Leadership's Role: Effective leadership must articulate clear, long-term visions to navigate the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, moving beyond conflict management towards sustainable peace.

Final Thoughts: This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the strategic mindset underpinning Israeli anti-solutionism, shedding light on the complexities and challenges that impede the pursuit of lasting peace. Natan Sachs provides a nuanced analysis, urging policymakers and stakeholders to critically evaluate and understand these strategic perspectives to foster informed and effective decision-making in the Middle East.