In the ever-turbulent theater of Middle Eastern politics, the concept of a lasting peace in Israel seems as fantastical and unlikely as the notion of Canada opting to become the 51st state of America. This comparison, though humorous, sheds light on the repetitive cycle of conflict and fleeting resolutions that have characterized Israel's history since its inception in 1948.

Israel's journey began with the War of Independence, which erupted immediately after its declaration of statehood, drawing hostile reactions from its Arab neighbors. Despite the odds, Israel emerged victorious, and an armistice was signed in 1949. This was supposed to herald a durable peace. It did not. Instead, it marked the beginning of a series of intermittent peace punctuations, each followed by renewed conflicts.

The Suez Crisis of 1956, the Six-Day War of 1967, and the Yom Kippur War of 1973 each followed this pattern. In every instance, peace seemed assured, bolstered by international diplomacy and U.S. presidential interventions, from Eisenhower's stern directives for Israeli withdrawal to Kissinger's shuttle diplomacy. Yet, each peace proved ephemeral, unraveling at the next sign of turmoil.

The hopeful peace achieved through the Camp David Accords in 1978, which saw Egypt and Israel reach a groundbreaking bilateral agreement, remains a lone success story. However, the broader regional peace remains elusive, demonstrated by the recurring Gaza Wars and the Intifadas that disrupt any semblance of long-term peace.

Fast forward to recent efforts: President Trump's announcement of a new 20-point plan for peace in the Middle East brought both skepticism and cautious optimism. The plan, which involved international praise for Trump's leadership, promised to be different from past efforts. Yet, as history suggests, the situation remains fragile. Despite temporary measures like hostage releases and troop withdrawals, the underlying issues, such as the future of Palestine and the disarmament of militant groups, remain unaddressed.

Trump's approach, focusing on personal accolades and short-term gains, mirrors past U.S. presidents' attempts that ended with peace as fleeting as before. The cycle seems poised to continue, with each new administration inheriting the unresolved conflicts of its predecessors, each confident in their unique approach to an age-old problem.

In this context, lasting peace in Israel appears as uncertain as Canada shedding its sovereignty to become just another U.S. state—a scenario filled with as many complexities and improbabilities as the Middle Eastern peace process itself. This ongoing saga of conflict and peacemaking not only highlights the challenges of international diplomacy but also the enduring hope for a resolution that seems just out of reach, forever promised, never fulfilled.