Historic Talks Between Leaders of Israel and Palestine
- August 30th, 2021
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Yesterday, August 29, 2021, Israeli Defense minister Benny Gantz met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. This historic meeting was described as “the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the formation of the current Israeli Government.”
The meeting contents centered around strengthening the Palestinian economy and ensuring the Palestinian Authority’s security role. This morning, Mr. Gantz announced that there will be a 500 million dollar loan to the Palestinian Authority, additional building permits in the West Bank where Israel administers construction, and more work permits for Palestinians seeking employment in Israel. In addition, the Israeli government will legalize Palestinian spouses currently residing in the West Bank.
By making these decisions, the Israeli government attempts to strengthen its defense against Hamas, which occupies the Gaza strip. Although the US has a long history of involvement with Israel, relations in the region have been tense. The Biden Administration supports the two-state solution, the US stance on the conflict for the past two decades. Versions of the two-state solution are widely supported by the international community, although specifics continue to cause conflict.
The US media mentioned little to nothing about the meeting; however, President Biden urged the Israeli Prime Minister to improve Palestinian lives after clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters days before. Although it may appear that the changes announced by Gantz today will better the lives of Palestinians, many argue that it is the only option given to the Palestinians and that the only way for their lives to be improved would be an end to Israeli occupation. There are continued efforts by the Palestinians to oppose the Israeli occupation. The US has had security and resource interests in Israel and the surrounding region, but some argue that those interests have declined in recent years. Given the decline of US involvement in the middle east and the low probability of true peace between Palestine and Israel, Biden’s administration will continue to advocate for the rights of Palestinians as opposed to the two-state solution directly.
-Rebecca
Sources:
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-us-policy-israeli-palestinian-conflict
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/08/1098812
https://www.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-israel/
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1919621/middle-east
http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/palestinian-president-israeli-defence-minister-hold-rare-talks