Morality and Sovereignty Part Four:
Utilization of Land and Benefits to People
By DOVID BEN-MEIR
A moral theory called Utilitarianism says that the moral evaluation of any policy depends on whether it maximizes utility.Sound confusing? Some philosophers pride themselves on making simple things sound complicated! It's one of many well-known maxims sometimes used in philosophical or political discussions:When in doubt – mumble.When position is weak – shout.If position is simple, common sense – use new, confusing words, to sound wiser.So in simple common-sense words: It is morally good for us to strive to make maximum use of resources in such a way as to bring the greatest amount of good to the greatest number of people. In other words: take what there is and do the best for as many people as you can!Say you have ten thousand dollars to give out to one of three people. You ask them: what would you do with this money, if I give it to you?The first guy says: "I'll run right out and buy as much chocolate as I can!"The second guy says: "I'll stuff it my mattress and save it for a rainy day."The third guy says: "I'll give one fifth to charity, use one fifth to pay off bills and loans, and three fifths I'll invest in a small business. I'll support my family and also hire some workers and support their families".Obviously it would be morally better to give the money to the third person, as he would utilize the money to bring the greatest good to the most people.Accordingly, after having already established the connection between the land and the Jewish nation, the utilitarian question of morality regarding sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is this: what will bring the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people – Israeli sovereignty, or establishment of another Arab state?When comparing life in Israel to life in most Arab states, it would seem to be clear that under Jewish rule people are better off! For instance: under Israeli rule in Judea and Samaria: infant mortality amongst Arabs plummeted, life-expectancy rose, the economic situation improved greatly, homes were connected to electricity and running water, and where there were no universities and little or no free press – as the result of Israeli initiatives, there are universities and newspapers. Paradoxically, on the whole, Arabs are far safer and better off under Israeli rule than under a capricious, non-democratic Arab regime.Jews of course are also much better off with Israeli sovereignty over the hilly backbone of the country. Without Judea and Samaria it would be very difficult, if not almost impossible, to defend Israel in its "Auschwitz" borders. From my town in Samaria I can see from the Gilead Mountains just east of the Jordan River, to the metropolitan area of Tel Aviv and suburbs by the sea to the west. I shudder to think what would happen if Hamas stood in my place!More than that: the spiritual satisfaction of living in the places where the stories of the Bible occurred, continuing the spiritual and moral journey of our ancestors, is incomparable to any other satisfaction. Also, well-planned new housing, for Israelis and Arabs, in the hilly area near the country's sought-after center, would go a long way to solving the "housing crisis" in Israel, and to bring benefit to the local Arabs.Utilitarianism would recommend denial of sovereignty from people who were never sovereign, and have now proven themselves unable – or unwilling – to rule with respect for human rights, rule of law, and signed agreements. In contrast: Israel has rule of law and respect for human rights and lives, even while defending itself against those who wish her harm.It is morally good to give a land to a people who not only claim it as their ancient and eternal homeland, but have also developed the land into a country that has probably brought more blessing to the world than other Middle Eastern countries.As Arabic theologian, Dr. Yousuf Al-Qaradhawi, once said on Qatar television: "We had the desert before our eyes, but we didn't do anything with it. When they (the Jews) took over, they turned it into a green oasis!" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzRN1krq848)