Palestine/Judea: A Two-State-Solution... Who With? and Beyond !
Updated: Oct 3, 2025
September 29, 2025 (started in March 2023)
Introduction
Since the tragic events of October 7, 2023, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has reached a new level of complexity. Western leaders, international organizations, and NGOs continue to advocate for a Two-State Solution (2SS) as the primary framework for peace. However, the question remains: with whom? The traditional approach, rooted in decades of diplomacy, faces unprecedented challenges. This article explores the feasibility of the 2SS, the actors involved, and alternative solutions that might offer a more sustainable path forward.
1. The Two-State Solution: With Whom?
Advocates of the 2SS
The Two-State Solution has long been championed by Western leaders, NGOs, and the United Nations. These actors view it as the most viable path to peace, emphasizing the need for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. However, the massacre of October 7 has exposed the fragility of this approach.
Local Opposition
Despite international support, local populations on both sides increasingly reject the 2SS. Polls indicate that a significant portion of Palestinians and Israelis no longer believe in its feasibility. More than one-third of Palestinians favor violence as a means to achieve autonomy, while many Israelis question the security risks of a Palestinian state (Gallup, 2025).
How Can It Work?
For the 2SS to succeed, it requires credible leadership on both sides. On the Israeli side, the state is widely seen as the representative of its people’s interests. On the Palestinian side, however, the landscape is fractured:
Hamas: A terrorist organization committed to Israel’s destruction, with no interest in peaceful coexistence.
Palestinian Authority (PA): Plagued by corruption and a lack of authority on the ground, especially after its perceived failure to condemn the October 7 attacks.
Who else? The absence of a unified, credible Palestinian leadership raises doubts about the feasibility of the 2SS. Arab countries that recognize Israel could play a role, but their influence is limited by internal and regional dynamics.
2. The Challenges of Implementing the 2SS
Power Imbalances and Deadlocks
A major obstacle is the veto power Israel would likely hold in any joint assembly, allowing it to block initiatives and perpetuate deadlocks. In such scenarios, third-party countries might be called upon to mediate, but their effectiveness remains uncertain.
The Role of Jordan and Arab-Muslim Countries
Jordan, often considered a potential partner in the 2SS, already hosts a large Palestinian population. Some argue that Jordan could effectively serve as a Palestinian state, but this idea is contentious and politically sensitive.
Arab-Muslim countries have largely failed to play a constructive role in resolving the conflict. Their involvement has been inconsistent, and regional rivalries often overshadow collective action.
3. Rethinking Borders: A Wider Regional Approach
Given the challenges of the 2SS, some analysts suggest redesigning borders and reimagining the region’s political structure. This could involve:
Israel for the Jews
Lebanon for Christians
A partitioned Syria into Kurdistan, Druze, Alawite, Aleppo-Sunni, and Shia regions
An extended Palestinian state in Jordan
Turkish minorities integrated into Turkey
This approach would require high-level autonomy for each entity, guaranteed by external powers such as the UN or regional alliances. While radical, it addresses the deep-seated identity and cultural ties that complicate the 2SS.
4. The Failure of the Two-State Solution
Historical Context
The 2SS has been attempted before, most notably in 2005, when Israel withdrew from Gaza. However, the Palestinian Authority failed to prevent terrorist attacks, leading to the construction of the West Bank barrier and further entrenchment of mistrust.
The Aftermath of October 7
The October 7 massacre shattered any remaining faith in the 2SS. Hamas, which controls Gaza, is widely seen as an illegitimate partner for peace. The Palestinian Authority, meanwhile, lacks credibility due to its corruption and inability to govern effectively.
Local Sentiment
Both Israelis and Palestinians increasingly reject the 2SS. Polls show that a significant portion of Palestinians support violence over negotiation, while Israelis fear the security risks of a Palestinian state (Gallup, 2025). This creates a fertile ground for continued conflict and radicalization.
5. Exploring Alternative Solutions
Co-Management by Arab Countries
One alternative is a co-management model, where several Arab countries, including Turkey, share responsibility for governing Palestinian territories. This could leverage the resources and stability of countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, while reducing the burden on Israel.
Building on the Abraham Accords
The Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, offer a potential framework for broader cooperation. Expanding these agreements to include Palestinian governance could create new avenues for peace and economic development.
Conclusion: A Path Forward
The Two-State Solution, once the cornerstone of Middle East peace efforts, now faces existential challenges. The events of October 7 have exposed its limitations, particularly the lack of credible Palestinian leadership and the deep-seated mistrust between the parties. While alternatives like regional co-management or redesigned borders offer potential, they require bold leadership and a willingness to move beyond traditional paradigms.
As the international community grapples with these questions, one thing is clear: the status quo is unsustainable. Whether through a revised 2SS, regional cooperation, or entirely new frameworks, the path to peace must address the identity, culture, and security concerns of all people in the region. The time for innovative solutions is now.
