Assessing the two-state solution: feasibility, challenges, and prospects

Abstract

The issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the possible realisation of a Palestinian State as part of a two-state solution is at the centre of the international debate. Despite the international consensus on the idea of two states that can peacefully coexist, actual progresses towards this solution is rather limited.
One of the main issues concerns the definition of the borders of a possible Palestinian State. Although the 1967 line is often referred to as the basis for the two-state solution, Israeli settlements in the West Bank complicate the definition of clear and continuous borders for the Palestinian state, as do the aspirations that both Israelis and Palestinians have for Jerusalem.

Added to this, we have the absence of a compact political Palestinian leadership, given that Fatah, which controls the Palestinian National Authority in the West Bank, supports the two-state solution, while Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, does not recognise Israel’s right to exist.

Meanwhile, Israelis have several concerns that a Palestinian State could be a threat for their existence. For this reason, Israel would like to maintain control over strategic areas, while the Palestinians want a fully sovereign State without the presence of Israeli forces.

The two-state solution is however still seen by researchers and various political figures as the best compromise, without diplomatic progress though, the risk of violent escalation and further regional destabilisation will always remain high. Success depends on concrete structural reforms within Palestinian governance, sustained external diplomatic guarantees, and strategic recalibrations in Israeli security policy.