On July 27, 2002, two well-known figures in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, respectively, came forth with a plan to end the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Ami Ayalon, formerly the head of the Shin Bet, Israel's secret service, joined with Palestinian professor Sari Nusseibeh to craft a peace initiative called "The People's Voice."
The proposal was fairly simple: two states for two peoples, shared control of eastern Jerusalem, borders based upon the June 4, 1967 lines, Palestinians would have a right to return only to the Palestinian state, and Palestine will be demilitarized.
Upon the full implementation of those principles, all claims on both sides and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would end. Because warmongering is easier than peace in many ways, this proposal enjoyed significant public support but never got anywhere on either side of the Green Line. I think it's time to revive it.
The particulars are as follows:
- Two states for two peoples: Both sides will declare that Palestine is the only state of the Palestinian people and Israel is the only state of the Jewish people.
- Borders: Permanent borders between the two states will be agreed upon on the basis of the June 4, 1967 lines, UN resolutions, and the Arab peace initiative (known as the Saudi initiative).
* Border modifications will be based on an equitable and agreed-upon territorial exchange (1:1) in accordance with the vital needs of both sides, including security, territorial contiguity, and demographic considerations.
* The Palestinian State will have a connection between its two geographic areas, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
c. After establishment of the agreed borders, no settlers will remain in the Palestinian State.
- Jerusalem: Jerusalem will be an open city, the capital of two states. Freedom of religion and full access to holy sites will be guaranteed to all.
* Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem will come under Palestinian sovereignty, Jewish neighborhoods under Israeli sovereignty.
* Neither side will exercise sovereignty over the holy places. The State of Palestine will be designated Guardian of al-Haram al-Sharif for the benefit of Muslims. Israel will be the Guardian of the Western Wall for the benefit of the Jewish people. The status quo on Christian holy site will be maintained. No excavation will take place in or underneath the holy sites without mutual consent.
- Right of return: Recognizing the suffering and the plight of the Palestinian refugees, the international community, Israel, and the Palestinian State will initiate and contribute to an international fund to compensate them.
* Palestinian refugees will return only to the State of Palestine; Jews will return only to the State of Israel.
* The international community will offer to compensate toward bettering the lot of those refugees willing to remain in their present country of residence, or who wish to immigrate to third-party countries.
- The Palestinian State will be demilitarized and the international community will guarantee its security and independence.
- End of conflict: Upon the full implementation of these principles, all claims on both sides and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will end
There would be some bitter pills for each side to swallow. Israel would have to give up its long-held demand that Jerusalem be its undivided capital. And the settlements would have to be dismantled, with the settlers uprooted. Further, the prime land of the West Bank would be gone for good.
Palestine would have its own bitter pills. No right of "return" to Israel, but rather financial compensation for those who were dispossessed. And they would need to rely on the international community for their defense.
But the good greatly outweighs the bad. Statehood and an end to occupation for the Palestinians. A substantial decrease in Israel's security problems. And two populations who will not have to live every day as if they are under siege.
There is some growing support for a one-state solution. But the only way that happens is through military defeat of Israel--it's just not anything they would ever go for, and I can't very well blame them. Even if you think that is the best solution, I think that at best, it's letting the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Peace is possible. We just need the right leaders.
UPDATE: In the comments, Weasel raises this important point--
Document the benefits
You should also document the further benefits of this plan to Israel:
The Saudi Plan offered Israel formal recognition and acceptance by most-to-all Arab states (except Syria). Israel would see an economic boom from new commerical opportunities this plan opens up.