One not-so-simple solution is the "one-state" option. Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip would be combined into a single democratic state. Christian, Muslim and Jewish residents would hold a common citizenship with equal rights for everyone, similar to most Western democracies.
Although theoretically appealing, the proposed one-state option has opponents. Jewish Israelis, in particular, object because they would not like to become a demographic minority in the new state. Many Palestinians also feel that a single state is not possible at least at this time because too much blood has already been spilled.
The second not-so-simple solution is the "two-state" option, which envisions two separate states -- Israel and Palestine - co-existing peacefully side by side. Most Israelis and Palestinians, as well as their international supporters and most members of the United Nations, are in principle in agreement with the two-state option.
However, arriving at a two-state solution involves navigating through a tortuous path with virtually insurmountable obstacles and political minefields. Regarding borders, for example, the emerging global consensus - recently articulated by US President Obama - is to begin with the 1967 borders with mutually agreed upon land swaps. The President's remarks were welcomed by Palestinian President Abbas, the European Union and much of the international community. However, after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu -- with the backing of many in the US Congress - stated that this is a non-starter, the Obama Administration apparently began back pedaling.
Other intractable issues to resolve include the Palestinian refugee's right of return, the sharing of Jerusalem and control over security and borders. Also, achieving full normalization in the region would involve returning the occupied Golan Heights to Syria, which many Israelis are also loath to do.
So, if neither the simple nor the not-so-simple solutions are acceptable to the Israelis and Palestinians and the peace talks between the two parties are stalled if not terminally ill, what remains? Unfortunately, it's the status quo, plainly a volatile and dangerous state of affairs for the Israelis, the Palestinians and the rest of us as well.
It's time to resolve this tragic conflict, especially as the basic principles for a just and comprehensive peace settlement are widely acknowledged and understood except for the extremists on both sides.
*Joseph Chamie, a demographer, recently stepped down as research director at the Center for Migration Studies in New York and editor of the International Migration Review. He was formerly the director of the United Nations Population Division. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a trustee of the Migration Policy Institute.
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