Is a two state solution for the Israeli Palestinian conflict viable If so how do they get there from here If not what solutions are left ?
The viability of the two-state option is currently uncertain.
It is a common delusion believed by individuals who prefer to avoid confronting the truth. It is a fictional companion that convinces its believers that it is feasible for political accords to be made between parties with unequal power. Belief in the two-state paradigm is a naive perspective that contradicts the actual state of affairs.
The West Bank is currently home to around 500,000 illegal Jewish settlers, causing a geographical fragmentation of the region. Many Israelis view Israel's military presence in and around the West Bank as crucial for their survival, while the Palestinian economy has become a controlled market that benefits Israeli companies and most Israelis are willing to support the continued occupation. Considering these criteria, what would incentivize Israel to consent to a withdrawal and abolish the occupation?
This is not only a harmless delusion: it is harmful to our chances of achieving a better life.
Israelis who favor the two-state solution aim to maintain the illusion that their government is a ‘’democratic‘’ entity capable of engaging in fair negotiations. They desire to reconcile their Zionism by establishing a form of unfair agreement with Palestinians. That is an intense imagination to have when faced with a disaster of such immense proportions.
Certain Palestinians cling to the two-state paradigm due to the difficulty of relinquishing the aspiration for political autonomy, given the considerable losses they have already endured. An early 2018 poll revealed that 47 percent of Palestinians and 46 percent of Israeli Jews expressed support for a two-state solution.
In addition to Israel and Palestine, there are international actors who advocate for the two-state model due to its appeal to their liberal sensibilities. This model allows for the acknowledgment of the national aspirations of both nations, as if the ‘’conflict’’ were between two equal parties that could be resolved by redistributing approximately 20 percent of historic Palestine. Simultaneously, these actors have the ability to conceal their disgraceful lack of response to Israel's crimes.
Adhering to the two-state approach hinders any logical progress. Devoting attention to such an impractical notion just prolongs the ongoing hardship endured by the Palestinian people.
Additionally, there are some who endorse the two-state paradigm based on logical justifications. Israel's leadership occasionally expresses support for the two-state solution precisely because it is impossible to achieve. By contemplating the idea of a two-state solution, they are essentially maintaining the current situation where there is only one dominant power. The US administrations have supported the two-state paradigm because it allows them to maintain their biased intervention.
While I am inclined towards the concept of a single democratic state for all, I believe that engaging in this conversation may not be productive. It diverts attention from what is truly significant.
It is crucial that we correct our comprehension of the ‘’conflict’’. To begin with, this is a settler colonial ‘’conflict’’. Furthermore, this is not merely a dispute between two governments, but rather a clash between two distinct populations. Palestinians are striving to evade Israeli persecution, while Israelis are determined to retain the advantages bestowed upon them by this oppressive system.
In such circumstances, it is not logical to prioritize the discussion on discovering the ideal political resolution. If we continue to focus on insignificant matters, the Palestinians will endure ongoing suffering, while the Israelis will persist in their role as oppressors.
Given the existing power dynamics, there is no viable resolution. It is now necessary to acknowledge that.
An imperative task today is to alleviate the misery of Palestinians, a goal that necessitates a restructuring of the power dynamics between Israelis and Palestinians. This necessitates compelling Israelis to reconsider the desired arrangement of life for both nations.
This discourse does not pertain to political models, but rather focuses on resistance and strategies to dismantle an entity that enforces oppression. The example of South Africa is relevant in this context, not only due to the shared factor of apartheid. Ultimately, the international community reached a consensus that the South African system ought to be abolished.
Eventually, the international community will reach a consensus that the Israeli occupation rule must be dismantled. The essential discussion we must engage in is how to put an end to the brutal genocide and blockade in Gaza, halt the demolition of Palestinian villages by the Israeli military, and shift the political landscape in Israel away from Zionism. The solution can be found in a lengthy and cumulative procedure that involves both internal and external forces.