Zionism embraced what was laid down in Balfour and San Remo. One state with equal rights for all. It was Palestinian violent riots in the 1920s and 1930s about the presence of Jews that made both the British in charge, and the Jews understand that this was not workable. It was exasperated by the British releasing Al-Husseini from prison as a deliberate spoiler, as a rival family including the Palestinian Mayor of Jersualem, were willing to build a state together with the Jews. A percentage of Palestinians decided to support the Jews or at least be neutral towards them- and now make up 20% of Israel's population.
As for not listening to Palestinian leaders, you are absolutely right. San Remo had Arab representatives who were more interested in the creation of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq that what was happening in the Mandate of Palestine. No objections were raised. Around this time even Egypt endorsed the idea of Zionism being a boon for the local economy.
But when Said wrote a question of Palestine, the only leaders of the Palestinians had just tried to overthrow the Jordanian King and then started a civil war in Lebanon. Meanwhile Palestinians were being known for the Munich Olympics massacre, bombing cafes in France and hijacking planes. Why would the world, at this point, listen then to its leaders?
You mentioned criticism of Oslo, but that was what brought the PLO back from exile. It was also fundamental in changing the above narrative about Palestinians, to what we have today- where the majority of the world see them as victims. If you say Oslo was a mistake, you would find a great deal of Zionists who agree.
A lot of sweeping statements I don't agree with in your article, but I do appreciate the effort and the discussion about Said's work and life.
We have had several Israeli leaders reach out to try and form peace, which you certainly don't get in the current Israeli administration. I, for one, would love to see Palestinian leaders emerge with the same goals. And that leader has to be someone who the Palestinian factions actually listen to. I can only think of one leader who they would, who is currently in an Israeli prison.
