Intelligence veteran Ami Ayalon advocates for German backing of the two-state resolution in Israel-Palestine conflict
In the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, former head of Israel's internal security service, Ami Ayalon, has advocated for Germany's support of a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians. Ayalon, now a member of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, for the Labor Party, believes that the further the prospect of a Palestinian state recedes, the stronger Hamas becomes.
Ayalon's statement, made in the context of the conflict, implies that a peaceful resolution could weaken Hamas. He does not advocate for any specific political solution in the statement, but his previous statements support a two-state solution. The chaos in Gaza, according to Ayalon, provides the perfect breeding ground for further radicalization.
Egypt has re-emerged as a key regional mediator seeking to facilitate dialogue. According to the Egyptian plan, the Israeli army would withdraw from Gaza, paving the way for a legitimate Palestinian leadership. This leadership would oversee reconstruction in Gaza and potentially lead to a two-state solution.
The current status of the two-state solution remains fragile but is still recognized as the only viable path toward lasting peace. The United Nations recently hosted a high-level conference aiming to revive practical political steps toward a two-state solution. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to Palestinian statehood and Israel’s security, calling for concrete progress rather than symbolic debate.
The Arab members of the Abraham Accords, such as the UAE, are actively pushing for the Palestinian Authority to engage in a gradual diplomatic track toward a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. This includes using political and economic incentives to improve regional cooperation.
Germany, while an influential EU member, has thus far been more involved in supporting Palestinian governance reforms and humanitarian aid rather than serving as a primary mediator between the parties. However, Ami Ayalon is urging Germany to back Egypt's mediation proposal and join the Franco-Saudi initiative for a two-state solution.
The proposed solution also includes Israel's recognition by all Arab states. A Palestinian technocratic government unaffiliated with Hamas would oversee reconstruction in Gaza, and free elections would then be held in all Palestinian territories. The vision for a workable two-state solution has been articulated, including Palestinian and Israeli cooperation on sensitive issues like borders, settlements, refugees, and Jerusalem’s special status.
In summary, the two-state solution is internationally reaffirmed and backed by major global and regional players as essential for peace, but it faces significant challenges on the ground. Egypt continues as a mediator, bolstered by regional diplomatic frameworks such as the Abraham Accords, while Germany’s role is currently more supportive through aid and EU diplomatic channels rather than direct mediation in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
- Ami Ayalon, a member of the Israeli parliament, has urged Germany to join Egypt's mediation proposal and support a two-state solution, which he believes is the only viable path toward lasting peace.
- The Egyptian plan for a peace settlement calls for Israel to withdraw from Gaza, enabling a legitimate Palestinian leadership to oversee reconstruction and potentially lead to a two-state solution, as the Arab members of the Abraham Accords are actively pushing for.
