Vision to Reality: The Reut Blog

Recently, different Palestinian and Arab actors have stressed their opposition to the idea of a Palestinian state in Provisional Borders (PSPB). However in light of the current circumstances – the political deadlock, the gap between the sides and the inter-Palestinian split - this solution could be the most viable option.

Rejection of a PSPB was recently reinforced by Hosni Mubarak of Egypt who claimed that he “told them [the Israelis] forget about temporary solutions and forget abut temporary borders”. It followed opposition by Abu-Mazen who declared that he is also against the establishment of a PSPB supports only the complete termination of the Israeli occupation and the establishment of a Palestinian state “on all our national land”. It thus seems that there is an Arab consensus against the idea.

Opposition to a PSPB is also linked to the structure of the political process.

There are two main paths for reaching Permanent Status between Israel and the Palestinians. The Oslo Process as well as the Anapolis Process were based on the Package Approach which aimed for a Permanent Status Agreement via one comprehensive agreement that would solve all the outstanding issues between Israel and the Palestinians.

This approach is in contrast to the Roadmap (2003) according to which a Palestinian State in Provisional Borders would be established in the second stage of the process with the other issues to later be resolved between Israel and Palestine.

Statements opposing any temporary agreement reflect the fact that although the Palestinian leadership continues to declare that it supports the Roadmap, it essentially returning to the Oslo approach. In addition, it demonstrates that the Palestinian leadership still supports the ‘all or nothing dynamic’.

However, in light of the current situation, this approach does not seem to be viable. Instead, a policy that does not necessarily leads to a PSPB but focuses on upgrading the PA may be more effective in anchoring the principle of separation between the two people, a separation which is essential for Israel’s National Security.

Related Links

Reassessment of the Israeli Palestinian Political Process: Build a Palestinian State in the West Bank