I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse

By Ayman Okeil

Don Vito Corleone, in the renowned movie “The Godfather,” portrayed by brilliant actor Marlon Brando, utters the iconic line: “I’ll Make You an Offer You Can’t Refuse.” Film reviews suggest that Brando intended this statement to convey that offer recipient has no alternative but to accept it for their own survival.

As I observed the deluge of offers, initiatives, and proposals put forth by various parties to find solutions and secure a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, this phrase sprang to mind. American decision-maker dismisses the idea of a permanent ceasefire and instead presents a six-week truce proposal, which includes the return of hostages. This offer aligns with Israel’s objective of defeating Hamas, which they both view as a common goal.

On the other hand, Hamas movement seeks an agreement that ensures a permanent ceasefire with specified guarantees. Reports indicate that they insist on Egypt, Russia, Qatar, the United States, and Turkey serving as guarantors for agreement’s implementation. Meanwhile, Israel has publicly declared its objectives in the conflict with Gaza, which involve repatriation of hostages and dismantling of Hamas’ military infrastructure. However, it also harbors undisclosed goals of exploiting the situation to undermine the Palestinian cause and push for forced migration. Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, aspires to the recognition of an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

I appreciate the multitude of offers, proposals, and visions put forth by the parties involved in the Palestinian issue. However, it appears that each party is primarily concerned with its interests. Hamas seeks an offer that allows them to maintain control in Gaza, while Palestinian Authority desires an offer that enables them to govern a unified Palestinian state in West Bank and Gaza. Israel’s objective is to eliminate Hamas and demilitarize Gaza, rejecting any proposal advocating for establishment of a unified Palestinian state. Each party strives for what aligns with their interests and remains staunchly resistant to making concessions necessary for a genuine, comprehensive solution.

Is it possible that the solution nobody can reject lies in an agreement between Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian Authority in the West Bank? In other words, can Palestinians reach a consensus on a unified political leadership that would be prepared to govern if recognized? Would Israel be willing to accept the existence of a consolidated Palestinian state, even if it meant enhancing its security? Furthermore, does Israel genuinely desire an agreement between Fatah and Hamas that leads to lasting reconciliation? These questions leave room for doubt.

In the film, Don Vito Corleone is portrayed as a wise man, emphasizing fair distribution of services over wanton destruction of lives. He entrusts Tom Hagen, Corleone family’s legal advisor, who believes that problems can be resolved through negotiations rather than force. Although another perspective suggests that diplomacy alone may not safeguard a nation against military action, the balance of power between families in New York, as depicted in the film, was achieved through a combination of diplomacy and force employed in negotiations.

Therefore, I envision that if Don Vito Corleone were present, he would have made an offer that no one seeking peace and security in the Middle East region could refuse. The offer would entail establishing a unified Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, under a single Palestinian political leadership, where Palestinians and Israelis coexist in security. Should we consider this offer-wise? Rejecting it would perpetuate Arab-Israeli conflict and plunge the Middle East into a never-ending cycle of crises and instability, akin to a ticking time bomb.