Meaning: This quote by Arthur Hertzberg, a prominent theologian, addresses the ongoing conflict between the Jewish and Palestinian Arab populations in the Middle East. Hertzberg highlights the hard-line Jewish position, which he argues is founded on the belief that Palestinian Arabs will either accept a subordinate status or simply leave the region. He points out that this expectation has not materialized, indicating that the situation is more complex and entrenched than the hard-line position acknowledges.

The quote encapsulates the fundamental issue at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – the competing claims to the land and the struggle for recognition and rights. Hertzberg's reference to the hard-line Jewish position reflects a perspective that has been prevalent in some segments of Israeli society, where there is a belief that the Palestinian Arabs should accept a lesser status or depart from the region entirely. This position has historical roots in the Zionist movement's efforts to establish and maintain a Jewish homeland in Palestine, as well as in the subsequent developments of the Israeli state and its policies towards the Palestinian population.

The notion that Palestinian Arabs should accept a third-class status or leave the region is deeply contentious and has been a source of ongoing conflict and tension. It speaks to the power dynamics, historical grievances, and competing national narratives that have defined the Israeli-Palestinian relationship. The idea of third-class status implies a form of subjugation or marginalization, while the notion that the Palestinians will "pick up and go away" suggests an expectation of their displacement or voluntary departure.

Hertzberg's assessment that "this isn't happening" points to the reality that the Palestinian Arabs have not acquiesced to this expected fate. Instead, they have continued to assert their rights, lay claim to their ancestral land, and resist what they perceive as unjust treatment and dispossession. This resistance has taken various forms over the years, including political and armed struggle, diplomatic efforts, and grassroots activism. The refusal of the Palestinian Arabs to accept third-class status or to simply leave the region underscores their commitment to their identity, rights, and aspirations for self-determination.

Moreover, Hertzberg's critique of the hard-line Jewish position sheds light on the need for a more nuanced and inclusive approach to addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By highlighting the disconnect between the expectations of the hard-line position and the realities on the ground, he implicitly calls for a reevaluation of attitudes and policies towards the Palestinian population. This reevaluation could involve recognizing the legitimate rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people and seeking a more equitable and just resolution to the conflict.

In conclusion, Arthur Hertzberg's quote encapsulates the complexities and challenges of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It reflects the historical dynamics, power struggles, and divergent perspectives that have shaped the relationship between the Jewish and Palestinian Arab populations. By drawing attention to the unmet expectations of the hard-line Jewish position, Hertzberg's words prompt reflection on the need for a more inclusive and constructive approach to addressing this long-standing and deeply entrenched conflict.