The Myth of the West Bank Geography as the Main Obstacle to a Two-States Solution

It is often debated whether the geography of the West Bank is the primary obstacle to a two-state solution. While geography undoubtedly presents challenges, the core issue lies in the behavior and attitudes of the relevant parties involved, particularly the Palestinian leadership and their ideology.

Why Geography Isn’t the Main Obstacle

Many argue that the geography of the West Bank, with its series of 500 checkpoints, makes it impossible to explore a two-state framework. These checkpoints severely hinder the freedom of movement and access to natural resources for Palestinians. Moreover, the West Bank sits above the densely populated coastal area of Israel, creating a physical barrier. However, the mere existence of barriers does not inherently make the two-state solution impossible. It challenges the ease of implementation, but the underlying issue is not the geography itself.

The Core Issues: Palestinian Behavior and Ideology

The main obstacle to a two-state solution comes from the behavior and ideology of the Palestinians and their leaders, not from the physical geography of the West Bank. Many Palestinians, and especially their leaders, consistently advocate for the complete destruction of Israel and the expulsion of the Jewish inhabitants and non-Muslims. This deeply rooted belief is rooted in a broader ideology of pan-Islamism and the belief that Muslims have a religious duty to conquer the entire world, including through the killing of non-Muslims. This fundamental stance undermines the very concept of coexistence and peace.

Why Political Leadership and Ideology Matter

The refusal to accept the two-state solution is not solely due to geography. Overcoming this challenge requires more than just addressing physical obstacles. It involves overcoming deeply ingrained ideologies and beliefs that reject the legitimacy of Israel’s existence. For a two-state solution to succeed, the Palestinian leadership must be willing to recognize Israel, end violence, and engage in peace negotiations without preconditions.

A Call for Real Change

For a lasting and peaceful resolution, the Palestinians need to recognize the legitimacy of the two-state solution and be willing to engage in peaceful negotiations. When the Palestinian leadership decides that a two-state solution is desirable, the cycle of violence would naturally come to an end. This would subsequently lead to recognition of Israel, cessation of hostilities, and pursuit of peace negotiations. Once these prerequisites are met, the challenges posed by geography could be addressed through negotiated solutions.

Conclusion

The geography of the West Bank is certainly a significant challenge, but it is not the main obstacle to a two-state solution. The primary hurdles lie in the deep-seated attitudes and ideologies of the Palestinian leadership and their consistent negation of the Jewish state. Addressing these underlying issues is the key to achieving a peaceful and sustainable resolution.