Michael Neumann argues that the best solution is not one state or two, but one state and two:
“Does this mean the single-state solution should be dismissed out of hand? No; it simply means that solution is a very long-term project, depending on basic shifts in the Middle East balance of power as well as, one hopes, an eventual softening of Israeli attitudes. Meanwhile, the Palestinians face destruction. Even if the project of a single state were imminently practicable, it would properly take second place to securing their survival which is, after all, one of its prerequisites.”
The only disagreement I have with this analysis, is that I don’t believe the interim two-state option is viable anymore. I think it is far more likely that with the completion of the “security fence” Israel will effectively have annexed a good part of the West Bank and Gaza and will maintain de facto control of the rest for years to come. The Palestinian struggle will then shift from a struggle for national rights to a struggle for equal rights, as in South Africa.
Tags: One State Two