A Deal Between Israel and Saudi Arabia Will Not Lead to Palestinian Freedom

In a surprising turn of events, senior members of the U.S. government are once again advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Joe Biden, in his State of the Union address in March, emphasized that “the only real solution is a two-state solution,” aligning with the longstanding position of the United States on the matter.

However, the recent U.S. veto of a United Nations Security Council resolution that would have facilitated Palestine’s full membership in the U.N. has raised questions about the administration’s commitment to Palestinian statehood. The U.S. justified its veto by asserting that Palestinian statehood should be achieved through bilateral negotiations with Israel, a stance that seems challenging given Israel’s reluctance to entertain the idea of Palestinian statehood.

The Biden administration’s strategy for advancing Palestinian statehood hinges on fostering normalized relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. This approach, reminiscent of the Abraham Accords initiated by the previous administration, aims to incentivize Israel to pursue Palestinian statehood in exchange for improved regional alliances and security arrangements.

Critics argue that the U.S. policy towards Israel and Palestine must prioritize human rights and international law over geopolitical considerations. They point out the need for the U.S. to hold Israel accountable for violations and to support Palestinian aspirations for self-determination.

To address the longstanding conflict, the Biden administration is urged to take bold steps, including recognizing Palestine as a state within the pre-1967 borders, reopening diplomatic missions, and supporting Palestinian legal efforts at international courts. These actions are seen as essential for shifting the dynamics of the peace process and promoting a more equitable resolution for both parties.

In light of escalating tensions and the entrenched status quo, the U.S. faces a critical juncture in its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By prioritizing human rights, international law, and Palestinian self-determination, the Biden administration has the opportunity to reshape the narrative and pursue a more just and sustainable resolution to the decades-long conflict.