The Washington Post reported that American and Arab officials have disclosed that President Joe Biden’s administration, along with some Middle East partners, is working on a comprehensive plan to achieve permanent peace between Palestinians and Israelis. However, ministers in Benjamin Netanyahu’s government have reiterated their opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The newspaper mentioned that the peace plan includes a timeline for the establishment of a Palestinian state that could be announced in the near future. An American official participating in the discussions emphasized that the key to the Middle East peace plan is a “prisoner swap deal,” referring to a potential agreement to exchange prisoners between Israel and Palestinian resistance groups.
Furthermore, the Washington Post quoted Stefano Capalbo, the European Union’s special representative for the Middle East peace process, stating that the EU is engaging with various parties to develop a plan focused on effectively reaching an end to the conflict.
Capalbo highlighted that the plan aims to achieve a fully recognized independent Palestinian state and a secure Israeli state fully integrated into the region.
Recent American statements advocating for the implementation of the so-called “two-state solution,” leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel after the end of the war on Gaza, have faced rejection from top political levels in Tel Aviv.
In response, Israeli Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman stated unequivocally that Israel would not agree to a two-state solution under any circumstances. He emphasized that the Palestinian state poses an existential threat to Israel, as evidenced by the events on October 7 in reference to the Aqsa Intifada.
Lieutenant General Benjamin Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, along with all ministers, affirmed their clear opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state during a political and security cabinet meeting today.
On the other hand, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed that the world wants to grant the Palestinians a state, which will not happen, according to him. He emphasized that Israel must resist the US plan and threaten unilateral steps such as canceling the Oslo agreement.
In conclusion, Likud Party leader Ze’ev Elkin warned that establishing a Palestinian state may lead to a repeat of the events of last October throughout Israel.
In contrast to the American statements calling for the implementation of the two-state solution soon after the war on Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently rejected the establishment of a Palestinian state, asserting that Israel will not relinquish complete security control over the West Bank.
