This essay is the revised text of the Constantine Zurayk Memorial Lecture, delivered by the author at the Institute of Palestine Studies in Beirut, Lebanon on 25 April 2013. This essay considers the Palestinian future by complicating the realities of the status quo in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the role of the international community, and the realities of being a person in solidarity. The author posits moving beyond looking at the Palestinian future from the perspective of horizons of feasibility and need, which have been defined by non-Palestinians, to a horizon of desire and vision crafted by Palestinians that encourages a re-imagination of positive solutions.

This essay examines the consequences of the near-canonical status acquired over the years by UN Security Council Resolution 242. After tracing the evolution of the vision of peace seen to flow from 242, the essay explores the various ways in which the resolution has been read. In particular, the interpretation of Israel (backed by the United States) is examined, along with the balance of power factor. The essay concludes by suggesting that clinging to 242 as ““canonical”” inhibits clear-sighted thinking on new approaches that take cognizance of the greatly altered circumstances.

The indictment of Knesset member Azmi Bishara for statements supporting Palestinian resistance activities directly raises the issue of whether the Palestinians enjoy a right of resistance under international law, given the character of Israeli occupation policies. The existence of such a right of resistance has not received much attention, especially the issue of whether the right extends to force and, if so, to what extent. This article affirms a limited such right and argues that its relevance to the Bishara case should lead to the dismissal of criminal charges.