Two-State Solution Only Works if Palestinians Want a State

For the record, I am in favor of a two-state solution. To me, that sounds fair, equitable and internationally justifiable. Under this solution, or any other solution, there are certainly hurdles, compromises, safety concerns and many other details, but a two-state solution seems to be a prudent, normal, acceptable and admirable goal. Quite frankly, I am not sure what any other option would be; one-state (although Israel has never shown an interest in annexing the West Bank, so a one-state solution is really a two-state solution); subdividing Israel (I have never heard of that from either the Israeli or the Palestinian side, but trying to think outside the box); three-state solution — or more (again, I have never heard of this); and the final option I can conjecture, one state that is not Israel (now that, I hear about every day from the Palestinians).

While I am favorable to the only obvious choice, a two-state solution, I do not live in Israel and I would certainly error on the side of letting the Israelis decide what is best for them, so it is just my opinion; but again, I have never been privy to an alternative. Clearly, Israel has been partial to a two-state solution as they have offered that to the Palestinians several times over the past decades, and I am not aware of any viable alternatives that have been proposed or discussed in earnest.

But here is the real crux of the matter. History has spoken, Hamas, Fatah, the Palestinian Authority, PLO, whatever Palestinian organization you want to name, have clearly demonstrated over the past 45 years of negotiations that they do not want a two-state solution and that their goal is not a two-state solution but a one-state solution that does not include Israel or Jews.

Recently, the leaders of the UN, France, Saudia Arabia, and other countries are back to demanding Israel acquiesce to a two-state solution. My first reaction is not very professional, Duh. Other than the complete annihilation of the Jewish people and Israel, please tell me what alternatives are on the table. There aren’t any alternatives, so they can stop yelling; and Israel has already agreed many times to a two-state solution, but the Palestinians have yet to agree once, so who are you yelling at? Honestly, some of these leaders’ sound like idiots. That’s like demanding Ukraine cease all Russian conflict — tell that to the Russians — tell that to the Palestinians. The Israelis get it, they have been at the negotiating table, and the Palestinians have no interest. Is the UN suggesting that the Israelis should kidnap all the various leaders of the different factions of the Palestinians and force them sign a piece of paper declaring their independence?

But seriously, how is Israel supposed to get their adversaries to the negotiating table? Maybe if the president of France yells loud enough, Netanyahu will be forced to make Abbas sign a peace deal (or even sit at the table). What kind of stupid talk is that? (Let’s not take Palestinian sovereignty too far, they would still require Israel to supply the majority of their water, electricity, roads, schools, and hospitals, unless Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, or Egypt step up to the plate – oops, they have said “no” already.)

Why are heads-of-state demanding a two-state solution from Israel for which they have debated, considered, offered and have not taken it off the table, while no one is attempting to convince the leaders of the Palestinians to accept this position; and then blaming Israel for the lack of progress and peace? Doesn’t this sound incongruous? President Macron, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, force the Palestinians to the table, then maybe we can have some peace.