2
Developing an Israeli Grand Strategy toward
a Peaceful Two-State Solution
For quite a few years now, more andmore skepticism is voiced
about the prospects for a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict. The parameters of the Oslo-Process are questioned
and the public and political support for a two-state-solution
is fading out. Lack of progress of the diplomatic process is
one factor contributing to the widespread pessimism about
a solution, as are changing political circumstances in Israel,
the region and in Europe and the US.
Public support in Israel for a two-state solution is decreasing.
According to a recent poll conducted by Smith Research
in July 2016, less than 50% of the Jewish Israeli public
still supports a two-state solution. Voters of Shas, Habayit
Hayehudi, United Torah Judaism, Likud and Yisrael Beitenu
overwhelmingly oppose the concept. Among men there is
less support than among women, and the opposition to a
two-state solution is especially strong among voters under
30 years of age.
Alarm over the possible demise of the two-state-solution
has also been expressed by political leaders in the US and
Europe on various occasions. A possible alternative, the
one-state-solution meets with even more opposition and is
regarded to be a non-starter.
Given this gloomy outlook the objective of this project and
publication is to define the main elements which would need
to be in place in order to move forward with the diplomatic
process with a view towards a peaceful solution to the old
conflict. The authors are convinced that a peaceful solution
is still possible and that there is no reason to fall into despair.
They are laying out their perspectives on the challenges
ahead covering the following policy areas and describing
the enabling factors leading towards a two-state-solution:
- What are the causes of the failures of the diplomatic process?
- How can the security needs of Israelis and Palestinians
be met?
- Which economic conditions and policies need to be put
in place to improve the welfare and living standards of the
Palestinian people?
The contributors to the publication also focus on the actors
decisive for progress in the different policy areas.
- What role can the Palestinian citizens of Israel play to
promote a peaceful solution?
- How can civil society become an even more pro-active
player to support a two-state-solution?
- What is the role of the religious communities on both sides
to prepare the ground for a peaceful cooperation?
- In which way can the international community support the
process and open up avenues for the reconciliation between
Israelis and Palestinians?
The publication does not aim to provide a concrete
prescription for getting the peace process back on track.
It rather lays out a comprehensive strategic approach for
those, who still believe in a peaceful solution, as well as for
those, who need to be convinced of it.
I would very much like to thank the team of the Daniel S.
Abraham Center for Strategic Dialogue under the leadership
of Dr. Yair Hirschfeld for their excellent work on this project
and the fruitful and productive dialogue between us.
Special thanks go to my colleague Judith Stelmach, who
contributed to the project and the publication with her heart
and soul. My gratitude also goes to Elie Friedman, Esti Ofer,
and Gilad Segal who were her counterparts at the Center.
Together they were a great team, without which the project
and the publication would not have been possible.
Werner Puschra
Introduction
Dr. Werner Puschra, Director FES Israel
