Two-State Solution Debate

On Wednesday, December 3rd we convened one of the most consequential mainstage debates in the 17- year history of our series.

Motion: Be it Resolved, it is in Israel’s national interest to support a two-state solution

How to Watch

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About the Debate

The Gaza war has ended, for the time being, in a shaky ceasefire. Now starts the hard work of finding a lasting solution to the conflict. Key to this effort is creating the basis for a new political relationship between the peoples of Israel and Palestine. For many, the most obvious and compelling solution is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Whether this happens depends to a significant extent on Israel and its domestic public opinion and politics. For many Israelis a two-state solution is the only viable path to a lasting peace, stability in the region and renewed legitimacy for the Jewish state internationally.  Others assert the attack of October 7 and two years of regional war have made Israel’s national security, now and into the future, irreconcilable with Palestinian statehood. This timely debate goes to the heart of the issue: should Israel support the two-state solution? The fate and future of the region hangs in the balance.

The Debaters

Arguing in favour of the resolution was former Israeli prime minister, finance minister, and mayor of Jerusalem, Ehud Olmert. His debate partner was Tzipi Livni, who served as Israel’s justice and foreign minister and the country’s chief peace negotiator in 2008 and 2014. Arguing against the resolution was the celebrated historian, former Israeli ambassador to the United States and deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Michael Oren. His debate partner was Ayelet Shaked, who most recently served as Israel’s justice minister and minister of the interior.