RE-FRAMING The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Why Should This Conflict Matter To Us? The conflict is emblematic -- In the Muslim world -- In the global community -- As the battleground for human rights and international law -- For Jews. The progressive international civil society cannot afford to see the Occupation actually win and a new apartheid regime emerge.

(1) The Issue of Exclusivity In Israel’s Framing The Land of Israel belongs exclusively to the Jewish people; Arabs reside there by sufferance and not by right. There is no other people that has legitimate rights or claims. In the Human Rights Framing Two peoples reside in Israel- Palestine and each has rights of self-determination.

(2) The Conflict In Israel’s Security Framing Israel is fighting for its existence. The conflict is a win- lose proposition: either we “win” or “they” do. Israel’s policies are based solely on concerns for security. The Arabs don’t want peace; the Palestinians are our enemies. The problem is Arab terrorism. AND There is no Occupation.

In The Human Rights Framing The Occupation is at the center of the discussion and is pro-active. Israel is not fighting for its existence: Palestinians recognize Israeli sovereignty over 78% of the country; the Arab world has offered Israel regional integration. All attacks on civilians are prohibited (in human rights language), whether from non-state (“from below”) or state (“from above”) actors. Israel is the strong party and the Occupying Power, not the victim. As the strong party, Israel must be held accountable.

(3) Solutions In Israel’s View Any solution must leave Israel in control of the entire country. Israel needs a Palestinian state to “relieve” itself of the Palestinian population. But Any Palestinian state must be truncated, non-viable and semi-sovereign – a bantustan.

In a Sustainable, Human Rights Approach A Palestinian state has to be viable and truly sovereign, not merely a bantustan. Only a win-win approach based on co- existence, justice, human rights and international law can resolve the conflict.

Critical Questions of Any Peace Process Will this plan really end the Occupation, or is it merely a subtle cover for control? Does this plan offer a just and sustainable peace, or merely an imposed and false quiet? Does this plan offer a Palestinian state that is territorially, politically and economically viable, or merely a prison-state? Does this plan address the refugee issue? Does this plan offer regional security and development?

THE ROAD AHEAD TO A JUST PEACE IN PALESTINE/ISRAEL Option 1: (Qualified) Justice A VIABLE TWO-STATE SOLUTION 78% Israel; 22% Palestinian State Mutually agreeable settlement of the refugee issue after Israel recognizes the Right of Return and acknowledges its role in driving out the refugees

THE ROAD AHEAD TO A JUST PEACE IN PALESTINE/ISRAEL Option 2: A Threatening (But Real) Possibility APARTHEID

THE ROAD AHEAD TO A JUST PEACE IN PALESTINE/ISRAEL Option 3: ONE DEMOCRATIC STATE

THE ROAD AHEAD TO A JUST PEACE IN PALESTINE/ISRAEL Option 4: A REGIONAL CONFEDERATION (Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon)

TWO-STAGE REGIONAL SOLUTION Stage 1: Palestine/Israel (Separate sovereignty from viability) Palestinians accept a state including Gaza, 85-90% of West Bank and Arab parts of East Jerusalem, giving them sovereignty, citizenship and membership in the international community on condition that, as Stage Two,

Stage 2: Middle East Union The international community guarantees (within 5-10 years) the emergence of a regional confederation. Palestinian political identity addressed by the creation of a state, yet All residents of the Middle East Union allowed to live and work throughout the confederation. Integrity of each member state respected, while Addressing the needs of the Palestinians (including refugees) and Neutralizing the Occupation. An MEU facilitates regional development.