Two State Solution Or One State Domination?

By Natashia Hajee

How can we continue to press for a two state solution if both sides continuously deny one another? Israel and Palestine have got to stop with the childish back and forth and recognize both sides right to live and to live peacefully. In a recent Haaretz article it has been stated that if the United Nations recognizes Palestine as a state in the upcoming month of September, then Israel will take on unilateral steps of their own.

Senior Foreign Ministry officials stated that Rafael Barak has sent out private cables to Israeli embassies "directing them to lodge a diplomatic protest at the highest possible level in response to the Palestinian efforts to gain international recognition for statehood at the UN General Assembly session in September." 


European government officials have clarified that they have indeed received these cables, however due to the stalled peace talks, a Palestinian state is unavoidable as of September. 

Why is Israel so adamant on their stance? Some might say that it is for fear of a loss of power and they never truly wanted a two state solution in the first place. However the Israeli claims are that it violates the Oslo accords, it will not actually lead to a Palestinian state, and it will create more violence on the ground.

Speculation as to Israel's next move has brought up suggestions of annexing settlements as part of Israel or applying Israeli law to the West Bank. These are extremely dangerous moves on behalf of the Israelis and time will only tell if they will actually go forward with them.

What will September bring and why is it so important?:
"September is expected to be pivotal for several reasons. Last September, U.S. President Barack Obama told the General Assembly that he wished to see a Palestinian state become a member of the UN within a year. In addition, Israel and the Palestinians had agreed that the talks they undertook last September 2 in Washington would last for about a year. Thirdly, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's program of establishing institutions for a future Palestinian state is due to be wrapped up this coming September." 

Due to the increasing violence within the reason it is no surprise that neither Abbas or Netanyahu have been in any contact with one another. This makes for an even more tense situation and even less motivation for either side to jump-start the peace process again. 


Perhaps the peace process is not what is needed, maybe the recognition of a Palestinian state, by the global community, will force both sides into a peaceful agreement....wishful thinking?


Links: 
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-threatens-unilateral-steps-if-un-recognizes-palestinian-state-1.352423
http://www.vancouverite.com/2011/03/29/israel-threatens-unilateral-steps-if-un-recognises-palestinian-state/
http://cloud.graphicleftovers.com/23821/593621/peace-between-israel-and-palestine.jpg