Two-state solution

The two-state solution is the name for a class of proposed resolutions of the long-running Arab-Israeli conflict now explicitly backed by the US government. There are many different proposals under this rubric, which differ substantially in their details, although all share a basic concept (reflected in the name). It is contrasted with the binational solution and forced transfer solutions (of either side).

Recent events

In the 1990s the pressing need for a peace in the area, brought the two-state idea back to centre stage. At one point in the late 1990s, considerable diplomatic work went into negotiating a two-state solution between the parties, including the Oslo Accords and culminating in the Camp David 2000 Summit, and follow-on negotiations at Taba in January 2001. However, no final agreement was reached.

Related Topics:
1990s - Oslo Accords - Camp David 2000 Summit - Taba - 2001

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Variations include a Palestinian state in all of the West Bank and Gaza Strip or some portion thereof. In some proposals raised in talks with the Palestinians there would have been territorial adjustments involving some small sections of current Israeli territory.

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Some Israelis hold that the two-state solution was implemented in 1922 when Britain split off the eastern 75% of the Mandate to create Transjordan which became Jordan, a state with an Arab majority population.

Related Topics:
1922 - Transjordan - Jordan

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Some Israeli politicians, such as former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, argue for a form of two-state solution in which a Palestinian state is granted most of the attributes of an independent state but denied certain aspects of sovereignty that might allow it to threaten Israel. Netanyahu argues, for example, that the future states' ability to import arms should be restricted. The Palestinian leadership does not view such proposals as being in the true spirit of the two-state solution concept.

Related Topics:
Prime minister - Benjamin Netanyahu

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More recently, possible two state solutions have been discussed by the Saudi and US leadershiphttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/saud/etc/script.html.In 2002, Crown Prince (now King) Abdullah of Saudi Arabia proposed the Arab Peace Initiative, which garnered the unanimous support of the Arab League. President Bush announced his support for a Palestinian state, opening the way for UN Security Council Resolution 1397http://www.state.gov/p/nea/rt/11134.htm supporting a two state solution. Christian communities in Israel also back the solution.

Related Topics:
Abdullah of Saudi Arabia - Arab Peace Initiative - Arab League

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