Boms, N. (2026). From Westphalia to Gaza: The Return of State Order. Israel Journal of Foreign Affairs, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1080/23739770.2025.2607778

Introduction

In the aftermath of yet another bloody war in the Middle East, President Donald Trump’s much-heralded 20-point plan may lead us toward at least a semblance of stability in the region. Although the successful implementation of the Gaza plan itself appears questionable, its broader conceptual framework merits consideration. At its core lies the restoration of effective statehood and the removal from power of actors committed to perpetual conflict. These remain necessary preconditions for any durable peace in the Middle East and real stability.

While to many, the proposal appears to be simply another ill-fated attempt to impose a temporary pause in the seemingly intractable Israeli–Palestinian conflict, a closer look suggests a broader strategic rationale. Specifically, it points to an implicit reliance on the time-honored Westphalian principles, emphasizing stability through the preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity. From this perspective, the plan is not confined to Gaza but may actually be understood as part of a wider regional framework aimed at promoting stability across the Middle East by a broader attempt to bring back the old “State Order.”