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Knesset debates future for two-state solution

[ssba]

Israel’s leaders yesterday conducted an impassioned debate in the Knesset on the two-state solution and how best to live alongside the Palestinians in the future.

The debate was triggered by the request of more than 40 Knesset members. Senior Zionist Union leader and former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni took to the podium and said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israelis had “lost their sense of security.” Referencing Netanyahu’s comments this week, in which he said advanced border fences would be built across Israel’s boundaries to keep out terrorists, she asked “Are all the millions of the Palestinians in Judea and Samaria part of your Israel?” She concluded that the two-state solution is the only solution, “and we strive to get there.”

Livni’s words were echoed by Zionist Union head Isaac Herzog, who accused Netanyahu of being “paralyzed by fear.” He said that unlike Netanyahu, “I refuse to accept that ‘we will live by the sword’” and demanded action. On Sunday, the Labour Party faction approved Herzog’s plan to unilaterally separate from the Palestinians in the West Bank, retaining the major settlement blocs of Gush Etzion, Ma’ale Adumim and Ariel under Israeli sovereignty. Speaking yesterday, Herzog said “The two-state solution is not dead, but it won’t happen tomorrow.”

Responding to Herzog’s conclusion that the two-state solution is not immediately attainable, Netanyahu said “Good morning, Boujie [Herzog’s Hebrew nickname]. I’m glad you woke up. Welcome to the Middle East.” He asked “How can we trust you … when you only realise what is happening years later?” Addressing Herzog’s plan, Netanyahu said “For all the talk of separation … Israel must be responsible for the security.” He also touted Israel’s increasingly close relationship with some Arab states, saying that such developments increased the chances of eventual peace with the Palestinians.

Meanwhile, Meretz leader Zahava Gal-on criticised Herzog’s pessimism over the two-state solution, accusing him of “supporting” Netanyahu. She said that a unilateral separation would lead to an escalation in violence.