Trump Says He Accepts 'One State' Solution for Israel and Palestinians

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that he accepts 'any solution' that Israel and the Palestinians can agree upon, whether it leads to a two-state or a one-state solution. The Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Palestinian Authority have reacted to this. Over the years, both Republican and Democratic administrations have consistently pursued a policy aimed at establishing 'two independent states' for Israel and Palestine side by side. Previous U.S. presidents' efforts in this regard have been fruitless. Now, Trump's remarks indicate a new approach from the U.S. government and a departure from the insistence on a 'two-state' solution. On February 15, after his first meeting as president with Netanyahu, Trump said, 'I look at [the formation of] both two states and one state. I am okay with whatever way both parties want to go.' The U.S. President also expressed his willingness to work towards peace between Israel and the Palestinians but emphasized that this requires compromise from both sides, and ultimately, they are the ones who will reach the terms of any potential agreement. Trump also asked Israel to 'halt' its settlement activities 'for a while.' Regarding the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, he expressed his desire for it to happen and stated that he is reviewing this matter 'very carefully. Let's see what happens.' Netanyahu, during a joint press conference with Trump, stated that peace between the parties would only be possible if the Palestinians recognize a 'Jewish state' and that control of the West Bank should ultimately remain with Israel. Reactions: On February 15, the UN Secretary-General stated that there is no alternative solution to the establishment of two independent states. Antonio Guterres, who was in Cairo for a visit, said, 'There is no alternative solution regarding the situation between the Palestinians and Israel; except for the two-state solution, and we must do everything we can to achieve this goal.' Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, also stated that he remains committed to the establishment of two independent states to end the crisis between the two parties. Abbas's office issued a statement saying he agrees with Trump's remarks about halting settlement activities, including in the occupied part of Jerusalem, but he still insists that two independent states must be established. Palestinian Authority officials had previously called for the commitment to the establishment of two independent states not to be abandoned before the meeting of Trump and Netanyahu. Before the meeting of the U.S. and Israeli leaders, a U.S. official told Reuters that Trump supports the ultimate goal of peace between Israel and the Palestinians, even if the solution of creating two independent states is not feasible.