By Koustubh Tol
The Israel-Palestine conflict is one of the longest-running conflicts across the globe. The two sides have been locked in an endless battle over land disputes. After decades of sporadic wars, uprisings and failed peace negotiations, the status quo remains the same.
With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s first visit to the White House under the new US administration, many predicted a new beginning to the Israel-US relations. There have been speculations about Netanyahu’s opinions regarding the “two-state” approach, which encourages two separate sovereign states independent from one another. However, what came as a complete surprise was Mr Trump’s comments speculating a possible policy shift in the future.
“Looking at two-state or one-state, I like the one that both parties like. I’m very happy with the one both parties like. I can live with either one,” Trump told reporters in Washington. This comes days after speculations of possible relocation of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
The beginning of a conflict
The Israel-Palestine conflict dates back to the 1940s when Jews, fearing prosecution, fled from Europe towards the Arab regions. Since then there have been several wars between Israel and the surrounding Arab nations. Among these, the 1967 war was of utmost relevance since it ensured a complete control of West bank, Gaza strip and East-Jerusalem to the state of Israel. Since then the Israelis have succeeded in forcing the Palestinians living in the rest of the country to shift to these regions which have an Arab Muslims majority. Hence the Palestinians demanded a separate state for themselves, which will include all these three regions.
Considering the rising tensions between the two sides, the United Nations and many leaders of the international communities have agreed upon the two-state solution. However, things aren’t very simple on the ground. In the recent past, one of the biggest roadblocks for a peaceful resolution is the rise of Israeli settlements in West Bank. Since the areas of conflict contain an Arab-majority, many see the Jewish settlements as a desperate move by the Jewish community to spread its presence across the country. Though it might seem small, the settlements have made the situation worse.
Challenges to the two-state approach
Since the 1970s, the most widely accepted solution to the conflict is the formation of two independent states. Though this will lead to separation of the country on a cultural basis, things may not be in complete control after all. According to the plan, Palestine would get Gaza and West Bank whereas, Israel would get everything else. This is more or less impossible.
Firstly, having two disconnected regions separated by Israel may not be a good sign for the Palestinians. With the increasing Jewish settlements leading to almost half a million Israelis in the West bank, moving the existing population across the regions may be easier politically than in practical. It also creates the problem of dividing the city of Jerusalem which contains a population of all ethnicities.
On the other hand, the “one-state” solution is gaining wide acceptance in the local populations of both stakeholders. The one-state solution would combine all of Israel into one country where Palestine would get the freedom of maintaining its own cultural individuality. Though it may seem peaceful, it may hamper the identity of Israel as a primarily Jewish nation.
The way ahead
According to former Secretary of State John Kerry, “Israel can either be Jewish or Democratic. It cannot be both.” The Single state proposal would also lead to a polarisation among the population considering the different cultures, traditions and languages that the two sides adopt. In spite of many differences, both sides will have to make sacrifices if they want the single-nation strategy to succeed.
Whether Israel and Palestine come to a consensus or not, the US policy shift has surely turned heads around the world. With Trump refusing to commit to the two-state solution, things may not go down well with the Palestinians. Only time can tell what the future holds for the Palestinians, and whether a peaceful resolution is, in fact, possible.
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