Yes, to a Palestinian State—Just Not Inside or Right Next to Israel

“There is a strong positive relationship between living under the benefits of a government and human flourishing. Those without its protection must suffer, at the very least, compared to those who are fortunate in this regard.”

Yes, yes to a Palestinian state in the Middle East. One, two, three, four of them, and many more—just not west of the Jordan River nor anywhere else very close to Israel. It certainly ought not be comprised of Gaza, the Golan Heights, Judea, Samaria, or East Jerusalem. But apart from that, the Palestinian people ought to have as many states as they want, with my full blessing.

Are there no Palestinian states in Egypt? Put one in there, by all means. Are there no Palestinian states in Lebanon? Rectify that lacuna immediately. What about Iran, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan? Set one up in each, by all means. Why are there no Palestinian states located in any of these other countries? If the Palestinians deserve a state, far be it from me to say to them nay. Just not in or anywhere near Israel.

In the libertarian view (apart from the anarcho-capitalist version thereof), pretty much everyone should have a government to which they can belong. The state need not be a perfect guarantor of personal and private property rights, but it should come as close as possible. There is a strong positive relationship between living under the benefits of a government and human flourishing. Those without its protection must suffer, at the very least, compared to those who are fortunate in this regard.