Meaning: This quote by Moshe Sharett, an Israeli statesman and the second Prime Minister of Israel, reflects the complex and delicate diplomatic considerations that often characterize international relations, particularly in the context of the Middle East. Sharett's statement, made in the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, reveals the strategic calculations and priorities of the fledgling Israeli state as it sought to navigate its relationships with neighboring countries, particularly Syria.

In the quote, Sharett articulates a willingness to adjust Israel's position on the Syrian question in alignment with the interests of a third party, presumably a major international power or actor. He suggests that Israel views this external entity as the decisive factor in its relations with its neighbors, indicating a recognition of the influence and leverage wielded by external powers in shaping regional dynamics. Additionally, Sharett downplays the significance of Syria itself, characterizing it as "unimportant" in comparison to the influence of this external entity.

Sharett's statement encapsulates the intricate web of geopolitical considerations that defined Israel's early foreign policy. In the aftermath of the 1948 war, Israel found itself in a precarious position, surrounded by hostile Arab states and contending with the broader dynamics of the Cold War. As such, Israeli leaders were keenly attuned to the strategic calculations of major powers and sought to leverage these dynamics to secure their own interests and security.

The reference to adjusting Israel's position on the Syrian question to align with the interests of a third party reflects the complex web of alliances and rivalries that characterized the regional and international landscape at the time. During this period, the Middle East was a theater of competition and influence for global powers, particularly the United States and the Soviet Union. Both superpowers sought to gain strategic advantage and influence in the region, and their policies and support for various actors often shaped the dynamics of regional conflicts and diplomacy.

Sharett's assertion that Syria is "unimportant" in comparison to the influence of the external entity underscores the realpolitik calculations that underpinned Israeli foreign policy at the time. It reflects a pragmatic assessment of power dynamics, indicating that Israel was willing to prioritize its relations with the influential external actor over its immediate neighbor, Syria, in pursuit of its strategic objectives.

The quote also sheds light on the nuanced and often intricate nature of diplomatic maneuvering in the Middle East. Sharett's words reveal a willingness to adapt and align Israel's position to external interests, underscoring the fluid and pragmatic approach that characterized Israeli diplomacy in its formative years.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the broader theme of power asymmetry and the influence of external actors in shaping the geopolitical dynamics of the region. It highlights the recognition that the actions and policies of major powers could have a decisive impact on the relationships and interactions between regional actors, including Israel and its neighbors.

In conclusion, Moshe Sharett's quote provides a window into the complex and nuanced world of international relations, particularly in the context of the Middle East during a pivotal period in Israel's history. It reflects the intricate web of alliances, rivalries, and power dynamics that shaped Israeli foreign policy and underscores the pragmatic and strategic considerations that guided the country's approach to its neighbors and the broader international community.