Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent endorsement of a two-state solution during her debate with former President Donald Trump has sparked considerable debate, with Israeli and American experts warning of potential destabilizing effects in the Middle East.
During the ABC debate, Harris emphasized her support for Israel’s right to defend itself, particularly against threats from Iran, while also advocating for a Palestinian state. She highlighted the need for Palestinians to have security, self-determination, and dignity—goals that have long been associated with the two-state solution.
However, critics argue that the idea of a Palestinian state, especially in the wake of recent escalations, is no longer viable. David Friedman, Trump’s former ambassador to Israel, sharply criticized Harris’ stance, calling the two-state solution “a dead letter” after the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel.
Friedman contends that creating a Palestinian state would only lead to further instability, bringing more terror and suffering to both Israel and Jordan. In his view, Harris’ support for this approach ignores the complexities on the ground and could inadvertently worsen the situation.
Jonathan Conricus, a former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commander, echoed similar concerns, pointing to decades of Palestinian rejectionism as a key obstacle to peace. Conricus noted that past offers for peace have been consistently turned down by Palestinian leaders, eroding support for the two-state solution within Israel itself.
He also emphasized the strong popular support for Hamas among Palestinians, particularly after the October 7 attacks, making any path to peace fraught with danger.
On the other hand, proponents of the two-state solution, such as former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin, acknowledge the difficulties but still believe in its long-term potential.
Rubin argues that peace deals with other Arab states, like the one between Israel and Egypt after the Yom Kippur War, show that even bitter conflicts can eventually lead to lasting peace. He supports Harris’ prioritization of the issue, seeing it as essential for Israel’s long-term security and stability.
Harris’ support for a two-state solution aligns with the broader Biden administration policy, which has provided significant funding to the Palestinian Authority (PA) despite its controversial support for terrorists and their families through the “pay for slay” program.
Critics argue that this financial support indirectly aids groups like Hamas, which continue to pose a significant threat to Israel. Mahmoud Abbas, the 88-year-old president of the PA, has been a particularly contentious figure, accused of antisemitism and of distorting the Holocaust while clinging to power for nearly two decades.
