Two states is not enough: Palestinians need sovereignty, Israelis need security - opinion

Nabil Kukali argues that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be resolved by choosing between slogans of 'two states' or 'one state'. The harder questions concern power, freedom of movement, and how Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, and civilian protection will be addressed. With Israeli and Palestinian elections approaching, voters deserve clarity from their leaders. The article examines confederation as a potential framework, insisting that Palestinian statehood must precede any shared arrangement with Israel and Jordan, and that sovereignty, not just slogans, is the test.

Nabil Kukali argues that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict cannot be resolved by choosing between the slogans of 'two states' and 'one state'. The harder questions concern who holds decision-making power, who can move, reside, and work freely, and how Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, and civilian protection will be addressed. With Israeli Knesset elections scheduled for October 27, 2026, and Palestinian legislative elections scheduled for November 28, 2026, voters have a right to demand clarity from their parties. Kukali examines confederation as a potential framework, insisting that Palestinian statehood must precede any shared arrangement with Israel and Jordan. He argues that a state unable to manage its resources, connect with the outside world, or provide work for its people would struggle to be viable. Economic cooperation can support peace, but it cannot substitute for sovereignty or correct a power imbalance on its own. The article addresses Jerusalem, refugees, and settlements as tests of any vision, noting that refugee rights cannot be reduced to a number automatically offset against settlers. The article is an opinion piece that argues for a rights-based approach to the conflict, but does not engage in propaganda, clickbait, sophistry, or selling.