Is the Two-State Solution Still Viable?

As the war between Israel and Hamas is ongoing, the nonpartisan debate series Open to Debate in partnership with the Council on Foreign Relations is taking a closer look at one proposed solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The two-state solution proposes a sovereign State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel and aims to address the territorial disputes, security concerns, and national aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. However, many have questioned whether this plan is still possible, especially during the Israel-Gaza war happening now. Those who believe it’s still possible argue that it’s the most logical path toward achieving sustainable peace and fulfilling the national self-determination rights of both Israelis and Palestinians while respecting international laws and U.N. resolutions. Those who believe it is no longer possible argue that the ongoing violence, West Bank settlement expansions, lack of trust, and failure of previous negotiation attempts such as the Oslo Accords make having both states impractical.

With this critical background, we debate the question: Is the Two-State Solution Still Viable?

This debate was recorded live on July 16, 2024, at 6 PM, at the Council on Foreign Relations, in New York City.

Arguing Yes:

Ambassador Dennis Ross, Counselor and Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy & Mohammed Dajani Daoudi, Palestinian Peace Activist and Scholar; Founding Director of the Wasatia Academic Institute

Arguing No:

Elliott Abrams, Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations & Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, Israel’s Special Envoy for Trade & Innovation

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates

Timestamps:

(02:42) Dennis Ross argues that the two-state solution is still viable.

(05:47) Fleur Hassan-Nahoum argues that the two-state solution is not viable anymore.

(08:55) Mohammed Dajani Daoudi argues that the two-state solution is still viable.

(12:06) Elliott Abrams argues that the two-state solution is not viable anymore.

(17:01) Why does Dennis Ross think that the situation between Israel and Palestine could change?