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President Biden visited Israel this week, continuing to offer support for a two-state solution to the tense relationship between Israel and Palestine. He visited with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem on Friday.
According to Biden, “The United States and my administration will not give up on trying to bring the Palestinians, Israelis and both sides closer together.” He noted that improving relationships between the two could “reinvigorate the peace process between the Palestinian people and the Israelis.”
Meanwhile, some Palestinians are skeptical of Biden’s comments and his plans. Israel has only increased its occupation of the West Bank, creating a deep rift between the two nation-states.
Supporters of Palestine remain concerned that Israelis do not support a two-state solution and will continue to occupy the West Bank without plans to abandon the site. However, many in the international diplomacy community find a two-state solution to be the best path forward.
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Biden did not provide any further information on his support for a two-state solution, nor did he offer a timeline. He noted that the current hostilities preclude peace discussions between Israel and Palestine at this time.
Meanwhile, Biden has reversed course on the previous administration and is providing financial support for Palestine. In 2021 alone, the administration provided nearly half a billion dollars in aid and plans to continue to do so in 2022 and beyond.
Palestinian President Abbas expressed support for Biden’s financial plans, which the American president hopes will help improve the lives of Palestinians. The administration is providing a $100 million grant for health care services, along with another $200 million to the United Nations relief fund for Palestinians.
Meanwhile, many Israeli politicians are also pleased that Biden continues to support their country as an independent nation-state. According to Biden, “Israel must remain an independent, democratic Jewish state.”
Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party, appeared to agree with Biden. According to Lapid, “A two-state solution is a guarantee for a strong, democratic State of Israel with a Jewish majority.”