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It is impossible to have a Jewish, democratic state and at the same time to control all of Eretz Israel. If we insist on fulfilling the dream in its entirety, we are liable to lose it all. Everything. That is where the extremist path takes us.
Ariel Sharon
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the conflict between territorial aspirations and the principles of democracy.

Ariel Sharon emphasizes the contradiction between maintaining a Jewish and democratic state while also exerting control over all of Eretz Israel. He warns that pursuing an extreme vision can lead to the loss of both the state and its democratic values, suggesting that compromise may be necessary to preserve the core ideals of the nation.

Themes

DemocracyStateConflictIsraelTerritoryPrinciplesCompromiseExtremism

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

More from Ariel Sharon

The sad and horrible conclusion is that no one cared that Jews were being murdered... This is the Jewish lesson of the Holocaust and this is the lesson which Auschwitz taught us.
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If there is ever to be an end to the conflict, the Palestinians must recognize the Jewish people's right to a homeland and the existence of an independent Jewish state in the homeland of the Jewish people.
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The power of a person derives not from the office he occupies but from a clear sense of direction and aspiration and from a willingness to struggle for his ways and beliefs.
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The ongoing conflict between us has caused heavy suffering to both peoples. The future can and must be different. Both our peoples are destined to live together side by side, on this small piece of land. This reality we cannot change.
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A day will come when other Israelis will be launched into space in the service of science and progress. For them and for us, Ilan Ramon will always be a source of inspiration as Israel's space pioneer, and his memory will be engraved in our hearts forever.
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We extend our hand towards peace. Our people are committed to peace. We know that peace entails painful compromise for both sides.
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