The Futility of Netanyahu’s Rejection of a Two-State Solution
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of the idea of creating a Palestinian state is a serious setback for the prospects of peace and justice in the region. Netanyahu’s comments, made in a phone call with US President Joe Biden, who indicated that Netanyahu may still accept the idea of a two-state solution, reflect his ideological opposition to any compromise with the Palestinians. Netanyahu has consistently opposed any Palestinian statehood that does not guarantee Israel’s security, and that he would not support any postwar plan that does not include Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital.
Netanyahu’s remarks also reveal his disregard for the international consensus and the humanitarian reality on the ground. The two-state solution is a proposal to create an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, which the US believes is vital for long-term stability in the region. The UN Security Council has repeatedly endorsed this vision, as well as a resolution calling for Israel to stop building settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which are considered illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. The resolution also demands that Israel respect the rights of Palestinian refugees and their descendants, who have been displaced by decades of conflict.
However, Netanyahu has ignored these calls and continued to expand Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which amount to more than 600,000 units. These settlements are home to about 600,000 Israeli settlers, who enjoy full Israeli citizenship and access to basic services. They also pose a threat to Palestinian rights and security, as they encroach on Palestinian land, resources, infrastructure, and natural environment. Moreover, they undermine the viability of a Palestinian state by reducing its territory and population.
Netanyahu’s stance also contradicts his own stated commitment to peace with his Arab neighbors. In 2019, he signed normalization agreements with several Arab countries at a summit in Bahrain, which were seen as a historic breakthrough for regional cooperation. However, these agreements did not address the core issues of Jerusalem or refugees, nor did they guarantee any change in Israel’s policies or behavior towards Palestinians.
Netanyahu’s rejection of a two-state solution is not only detrimental to peace efforts but also harmful to his own political interests. By alienating potential partners such as Egypt and Jordan, who have been mediating between Israel and Palestine for years, he risks losing their support and influence in regional affairs. He also risks losing domestic support from some segments of his own coalition partners and voters who favor dialogue with Palestinians or recognition of their rights.
Therefore, Netanyahu should reconsider his position and engage in constructive negotiations with Palestinians based on international law and human rights principles. He should recognize that a two-state solution is not only desirable but necessary for resolving one of the most protracted conflicts in history. He should also acknowledge that expanding settlements is not only illegal but counterproductive for his own security and prosperity. He should finally accept that Jerusalem is not only an issue of national identity but also an issue of shared history and future between Israelis and Palestinians.
Only then can Netanyahu hope to achieve lasting peace with his neighbors and end decades of suffering for both peoples.
