LFI launches Steps to a Two State Solution pamphlet

Labour Friends of Israel is delighted to publish its latest policy briefing, Steps to a Two State Solution.

The two state solution is the only means by which to guarantee Israel’s security and to preserve its identity as a Jewish and democratic state, as well as to satisfy the legitimate demand of the Palestinian people for self-determination and national sovereignty.

It is also the only solution which commands popular support among both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. 

Sadly, a lack of political leadership on both sides and a failure by the international community to support peace-makers in both Israel and Palestine has led to a prolonged hiatus in the peace process.  

However, the signing of the momentous Abraham Accords and the continuing process of normalisation between Israel and its Arab neighbours, the role of the Biden administration with its renewed commitment to a two-state solution, and the change government in Israel, has opened the door for positive steps forward.

In this pamphlet, LFI sets out 30 steps – political, economic and civil society – which Israel, the Palestinians, the international community and the UK could take in order to preserve the viability, and advance the prospects of, a two state solution. They seek to shrink the boundaries of the conflict, begin the process of rebuilding trust and confidence on both sides, and, crucially, ease the plight of the Palestinian people and expand their rights and freedoms while preserving the security of the Israeli people.

With a foreword from LFI chair Steve McCabe and introduction from Israeli Labor leader Merav Michaeli, these steps are not exclusive, and nor are they exhaustive. They are designed to be both practical – in terms of offering concrete measures which could make a real difference on the ground – as well as illustrative.

The steps do place demands on all sides, and it is important that the need for action by all players in the conflict is respected, demanded and supported by all those who hope that this tragic conflict may be brought to a close – for Israel, for Palestine, and for peace.

The steps were previously released online week by week, and have now been compiled into this policy briefing, released in October 2022.

In compiling these steps, we have drawn extensively upon a number of sources, including the writings of Micah Goodman, David Makovsky and the excellent 50 Steps Before the Deal project of the Israel Policy Forum.

30 Steps to a Two State Solution:

Step 1: Tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Step 2: Freeze settlement building

Step 3: End the Palestinian Authority’s payment of salaries to convicted terrorists and the payment of rewards to the families of “martyrs”

Step 4: Support the establishment of an International Fund for Israeli-Palestinian Peace and re-establish UK support for peace-building work

Step 5: Encourage Arab states to normalise relations with Israel and deepen the Abraham Accords

Step 6: Increase work permits for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza

Step 7: Ensure transportational contiguity for Palestinians

Step 8: Support Jerusalem as capital of Israel and future Palestinian state

Step 9: Ensure enforcement of UNSCR 1701, international action to prevent Hezbollah’s precision-missile project and attacks on Israel

Step 10: Demand Hamas renounce the use of violence and terrorism

Step 11: Demand Hamas releases hostages