The Hopes for Peace and Palestinian Statehood Fade Away

Conflicts that linger for decades are costly in many ways and threaten security and reduce trust for all concerned. The Economist reports on the speech by US Secretary of State John Kerry on the ongoing failure to end the “stubborn struggle” between Israel and Palestine. Kerry described the Netanyahu administration as “the most right-wing in Israeli history” and questioned how a hardline agenda might bring peace. The Economist explains that “the text was in line with long-held American policy that regards settlements as illegitimate and an obstacle to peace” and the United States had just approved a record $38 billion military aid package for Israel, but for the Netanyahu government, “it was an unforgivable act of betrayal by the Obama administration.” Netanyahu claims to support the two-state solution and blames failed negotiations on Palestinian leaders, but members of his party support the settlements. An attempt by Israel to annex those areas would raise alarm for the region and the international community. – YaleGlobal