Smooha argues that Jews have settled in Palestine – Land of Israel in sufficient strength to establish a strong independent state in part of the area (pre-1967 Israel), although their attempt to incorporate the rest (the West Bank and Gaza) by settlement has failed. As a result, partition has become the most feasible way to resolve the Jewish–Palestinian conflict. In Ireland, by contrast, the position of British settlers (Protestants) is said to be much weaker than their Jewish counterparts. The Protestants are weak demographically, lack international legitimacy, are not supported by Britain, and are faced with a confident Irish nationalism. As a consequence, the historical trend points to Britain's withdrawal and an end to the partition of Ireland as the most likely form of conflict resolution.
Keywords: Britain, conflict resolution, international legitimacy, Ireland, Israel, Northern Ireland, Palestine, partition, Protestants, settlers