Biden may succeed where his predecessors failed

Process of Reconciliation

Given the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the ingrained mutual hatred, distrust, and hostility, and the growing loss of confidence that peace is attainable, the Biden administration must insist that both parties engage in a process of government-to-government and people-to-people reconciliation. Such a process would certainly mitigate distrust, reduce the level of hostility, and open the door for growing cooperation.

Indeed, under any circumstances, a few years of calm and cooperation between the two sides will go a long way toward building mutual trust and understanding each other's concerns, and gradually pave the way for a permanent solution.

Since it is expected that Bennett will soon visit the White House, President Biden will have the opportunity to explain to the Israeli leader in unequivocal terms that the US:

a) is committed to a two-state solution not only because it is morally correct, but because it is the only solution that will preserve the democratic nature of Israel as well as its Jewish national identity;

b) will oppose the annexation of any Palestinian territory and reject the eviction of Palestinians from their homes in any part of the West Bank as well as East Jerusalem;

c) strongly supports the expansion of security cooperation between the two sides and requires that Israel and the PA immediately engage in the process of reconciliation on all levels;

d) expects the Bennett government to support a revised Iranian nuclear deal, as described above. Once a peace agreement is achieved with the Palestinians and the rest of the Arab Gulf states, the US will consider extending its nuclear umbrella to the region which may well persuade Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons.

With new leadership in the US, Israel, and soon in the Palestinian Authority, there is a rare opportunity to advance the cause of peace. Biden should make it clear to Bennett and his right-wing coalition partners who oppose the creation of a Palestinian state that they are now standing before history; they must face the inevitable and free Israel from the bondage of occupation.

This would be the hallmark of statesmanship, in the footsteps of Menachem Begin, especially when Israel's future well-being and national security are on the line. Biden is well positioned to succeed where his predecessors have failed.