Many factors prop up the conflict, allowing it to persist for so many decades. Here’s a thought experiment that can help elucidate the core one.
What is the one factor that, if eliminated, will make the conflict significantly easier to resolve?
None of the often-discussed issues, if solved on its own, will end the conflict. Territorial claims, the right of return, the status of Jerusalem, security concerns, and many other thorny issues are all entangled. If you take away either side’s territorial claims, for example, people will still believe in the religious nonsense that their power-hungry leaders sell them. They will find other things to quarrel about and keep hating each other for believing in the wrong religion.
Take away religion, and all of a sudden, Bible stories have no meaning. They’re just fiction. Their historical significance will fall into doubt, given that even those based on actual historical events were written and edited decades or even centuries after the events occurred.
Take away religion, and perceived geographic holiness becomes moot.
Take away religion, and holy places become just places.
Take away religion, and all the holy men who commend respect and are revered by millions become just men.
Take away religion, and the religious war becomes an aimless battle.
Take away religion, and nationalism, ethnicity, and territory can be untangled at last.
Take away religion, and instead of worshiping an invisible man in the sky and obeying their conspicuous “messengers,” people can focus on more productive pursuits, such as scientific research, infrastructure development, and technological innovation. They’ll start taking better care of their shared resources and collaborate with their neighbors on initiatives that benefit everyone.
Now, close your eyes and imagine how prosperous the region could be if it were easy to remove religious beliefs from the equation.