The best solution is still One State ; perhaps in the form of a bi-national confederation. With an Israeli and a Palestinian republic. But the Palestinian republic demilitarised. Israel should be able to purchase land from the Palestinians if the Palestinians are amenable to it. Fatah should allow it. But forcible seizure of land for settlements is 'ethnic cleansing'. That may have unbearable connotations - but what else do you call it? Also unacceptable is 'collective punishment' of the families of terrorists. Not sure if Israel is still doing this ; but I hope not.

The interspersion of the West Bank makes a contiguous Palestinian state in the West Bank impossible. What these developments show is that for years Likud and its allies have been bargaining in bad faith. Which is not what you would want if you wished Israel to become an example for the whole world.

If Israel extends its borders further what we may end up with is a civil rights struggle by the Palestinians. I have been reluctant to support BDS because it may endanger Israel's very existence. But the world cannot stand by and allow another 'Nakba' to happen - if it comes to that. In that instance the world must do something. If Israel expands its borders ; and the Palestinians shift to a civil rights struggle ; the world must support that fight

Dear Tristan,

«The best solution is...»

A solution calls for a problem: whose problem are you trying to solve? Your own perhaps?

Neither Israel nor the Palestinians have a problem with each other: the problems they have are rather within their own ranks. Whatever you suggest is not going to make any of them happy!

Without compromise it will come to war again sooner or later. Yuyutsu ; then what would you suggest if you think I am so wide of the mark?

Dear Tristan,

There could be a war over there, because this is what the people there want, it's just part of their life, but why are you concerned? why do you consider this a problem? Why would like to impose "solutions" on other people which neither of them likes at all?

IN the 50s the USSR and USA were on the verge of war ; then later there developed dialogue, detente, compromise. There was no definitive solution. But at least we avoided nuclear war.

The fact is if Israel expands significantly into the West Bank (as Likud and Trump are suggesting) a Palestinian state will not be viable. It will turn into a civil rights struggle.

In that context, 'One State' with equal citizenship in all areas except over the apparatus of force would be a decent compromise.

The other alternative is for Israel to evacuate its settlements in the West Bank. But what are the chances?

Dear Tristan,

«'One State' with equal citizenship in all areas except over the apparatus of force would be a decent compromise.»

No sane person would give access into their country to those who wish to destroy it and kill them, not even the Israeli peace-loving Left.

«The other alternative is for Israel to evacuate its settlements in the West Bank. But what are the chances?»

Yes, this is what I like to see!

It could happen if the whole rest of the world unites and orders Israel to withdraw - that's the stick, but there is also a carrot: If America promises Israel to dismantle Iran in return. I truly believe that Israel will accept such a deal.