US Undersecretary of State George Ball, known for his criticism of Israel, published in 1977 an article called “How to Save Israel in Spite of Herself.” This idea comes up whenever peace negotiations are stuck and the parties cannot extricate themselves from the stalemate, harming perceived American interests as well. Given the current internal situation in Israel and Palestine and the regional crisis, this question seems again relevant.
The situation appears bleak. The diplomatic process is in total impasse. Stability and quiet on the security front, as well as the sense that the two-state solution is desirable but the chances of implementing it are more remote than ever, have pushed the subject off the Israeli discourse. Expansion of settlements, which gives the Palestinians a reason not to restart talks, is proceeding almost without hindrance, reinforcing the commonly held opinion that Israel is closing off the two-state option. Ideas about alternatives to the two-state solution are discussed. The failure of the incoming government to include pursuit of the two-state solution in its basic guidelines, and its makeup, indicate a lack of real commitment to the two-state solution.
