U.S. and Arab Partners Plan for Palestinian Statehood

Latest Developments

The Biden administration is working with a group of Arab countries to develop a path toward Palestinian statehood, The Washington Post reported on February 14. The planning group envisions a unified Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza coupled with a Saudi-Israel normalization deal. However, the plan is premised on Israel ceasing its counteroffensive against Hamas before taking Rafah — the terrorist group’s last remaining stronghold. Such a step would deny Israel the ability to complete its objective of dismantling Hamas.

Expert Analysis

“There is a fundamental disconnect between the policy fantasy land in Washington and the reality of life in Israel after October 7. There is no path to peace without Israel destroying all remaining Hamas command and control in Gaza, massive reforms to the Palestinian Authority, dismantling UNRWA, and excluding Hamas patrons like Qatar from any involvement.” — Richard Goldberg, FDD Senior Advisor

“Two states for two people will require buy-in from both sides. Unfortunately for the Biden administration, the vast majority of Israelis are skeptical of a two-state solution for fear of more attacks like October 7. Multiple polls have demonstrated that the Palestinians are not interested in dividing the land to accommodate a Jewish and a Palestinian state. Given this reality, it is unclear who the Biden administration is trying to appease with this misguided and ill-timed initiative.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network

Palestinian Authority Pushes for Statehood

Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas pushed for Palestinian statehood in a February 7 meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken reiterated Washington’s support for Palestinian statehood and “discussed the benefits of revitalizing the Palestinian Authority,” according to a State Department readout.

Abbas, who is in the 20th year of a four-year term, has presided over a corrupt and ineffective government that has lost legitimacy among the Palestinian people. The PA also continues to provide welfare for Palestinian terrorists, including those who partook in the October 7 attacks. There is little indication that the current discussions about Palestinian statehood involve meaningful talk of PA reform.

“Facing Low Poll Numbers, PA President Pushes for Palestinian Statehood,” FDD Flash Brief

“Majority of Israelis Oppose Palestinian Statehood Due to Security Threats,” FDD Flash Brief

“After Hamas is destroyed, here are the five things that must not happen in Gaza,” by Richard Goldberg

“A Palestinian Authority that rewards terrorism has no place in Gaza,” by Natalie Ecanow