An alternative to the two-state solution

Resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict is fundamentally difficult because the dispute centers on intangible issues - identity, nationalism, and religion - rather than tangible ones like territory or economic benefits. This explains why compromise-based resolution attempts have repeatedly failed, as both sides view the struggle as existential.

A potential path forward lies in applying the concept of sovereignty as a political framework. Sovereignty allows a nation-state to exercise authority over territory based on residents' right to self-determination, though challenges to that authority must occur within democratic structures. Hostile forces cannot be permitted.

Legal resolution of territorial disputes requires a lawful basis. For the territory historically called Palestine, this points back to the League of Nations' original plan for creating sovereign states in the region. Following World War I and the Ottoman Empire's collapse, the League authorized British and French Mandates to establish states based on major populations. This led to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, while Britain designated the territory as the "National Homeland of the Jewish People" But also sought to provide equivalent arrangements for Arab residents. In 1922, Britain created Transjordan - later Jordan - installing the Hashemite dynasty as rulers.

When the League of Nations dissolved, its powers transferred to the United Nations in 1945, forming the basis of international law. Israel's 1948 declaration was accepted by the UN and most nations based on British Mandate boundaries.

The plan was disrupted when five Arab states attacked Israel. During the conflict, Egypt occupied the Gaza Strip while Jordan took Judea, Samaria, and eastern Jerusalem; Syria claimed the Golan Heights. Hundreds of thousands of Arabs fled, becoming refugees. An armistice held from 1949 until 1967, when Israel recovered lost territories.

Following the 1967 war, the International Committee of the Red Cross declared the conquered areas "occupied Palestinian territories," Citing Fourth Geneva Convention violations. This determination was accepted internationally, though the ICRC provided no legal basis and kept its deliberations secret.

Israel pursued peace with Egypt and Jordan but faced continued opposition from most Arab states and organizations including the PLO and Hamas, which demand political self-determination, "liberation," The "right of return," And Israel's destruction. Israeli recognition of the PLO and establishment of the Palestinian Authority under the Oslo Accords failed to resolve the conflict and preceded waves of suicide attacks killing approximately 1,000 Israelis. Hamas, controlling Gaza since 2007, launched attacks including a 2023 assault resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 200 kidnappings. Further violence is planned for Judea and Samaria.

A Palestinian state in these territories is not viable given control by terrorist organizations and Iran. Arab Palestinians in Judea, Samaria, eastern Jerusalem, and Gaza could instead integrate into Israeli society while maintaining separate identity, contingent on state loyalty, security support, and trust. All forms of bigotry and anti-Jewish sentiment by Muslim leaders must be prohibited. This approach replaces rejection with acceptance, offering Israeli sovereignty across all areas as an alternative to a two-state solution.